Thoughts on the Jewish perspective regarding organ transplantation

The purpose of this article is to convey some understanding of Orthodox Jewish thought on organ donation and transplantation. This perspective is particularly important as practitioners become more culturally diverse and medical care becomes more globalized. The Jewish ethical position, found in the Compendium on Medical Ethics: Jewish Moral, Ethical and Religious Principles in Medical Practice, is described. Points of view for determining death in Jewish law as well as some halakic (Jewish law) issues for the donor and recipient are also indicated.