Some sociocultural aspects of cadaver organ donation: recent rulings from Iran

Cultural and social factors strongly influence cadaveric organ donation and removal. In Muslim countries such as Iran, there is general public resistance to removal of organs despite clear rulings from religious leaders. Recently, some religious authorities have waived family permission and allowed cadaver organ removal even if the deceased person had not made a declaration for organ donation. Scholars have also exempted physicians from paying a legal penalty for removing organs in such cases. Cadaver organ donation is also allowed if the deceased person has made a declaration that money obtained from the recipient be spent to pay his debts or for public welfare and that the organ be used to save a life. There is no restriction on organ donation between people of different religions in normal circumstances. We conclude that these rulings should positively influence present sociocultural cadaver organ donation trends in Iran.