Without discrimination for religion, race, or gender

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Medical Ethics
• Cultural Anthropology

Background:

• Organ transplantation is viewed as a sociocultural phenomenon, not merely a medical procedure.
• Societal norms in Western and Israeli societies frame body donation as a collective, rather than individual, act.
• The transition from biological cessation to social relevance of the body is central to understanding organ donation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the motivations of individuals within Muslim society who donate organs of deceased loved ones.
• To examine the sociocultural concepts of death and the body that facilitate organ donation, particularly within the Muslim population.
• To understand the societal approval underpinning organ donation practices in this community.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research approach.
• Exploration of cultural perceptions of death and the body.
• Analysis of societal factors influencing organ donation decisions.

Main Results:

• Organ donation is understood as a societal exchange, contingent upon group approval.
• The concept of the body belonging to society enables the transition of private bodies into national assets.
• Tacit social approval is a prerequisite for individuals to engage in organ donation.

Conclusions:

• Organ donation is deeply embedded in sociocultural beliefs about the body, death, and community.
• Understanding these concepts is crucial for facilitating organ donation, especially within specific cultural groups like the Muslim population.
• Societal acceptance and shared understanding are key drivers for organ donation practices.