Cadaveric organ transplantation and religion

Multiple organ procurement is a surgical procedure by which organs of a brain dead donor are taken for transplantation. Cadaveric organ donors must be those who have suffered a sudden structural and irreversible damage of the brain or brainstem. Social and scientific aspects of organ transplantation have been widely discussed so far, whereas the religious factor, which should be also respected, has rarely been analyzed. Considering the fact that Serbia is a multicultural and multi-confessional society, opinions of all confessions practised in the Republic of Serbia should be taken into account. The Orthodox Church permits transplantation from one man to another and transplantation is strongly recommended from the standpoint of Christian morality. These attitudes are accepted and respected by the Roman Catholic Church, Reformers, Judaism and Islam as well. For the future development of organ transplantation it is necessary to have a sufficient number of organ donors. Valid and complete laws must strictly define brain death, organ donation and waiting lists. The public should be fully informed about this issue in order to build mutual confidence between the population and medical staff.