Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
W E L C O M E T O T H E C O M M I S S I O N O N B I O M E D I C A L E T H I C S W E B S I TE
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BACKGROUND |
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IMPORTANT TOPICS |
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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Organ Transplants
I. Organ transplants are morally acceptable and often commendable providing certain guidelines are followed.
- It is not morally admissible to take organs from a person without their or their guardian's consent.
- An organ transplant is not morally admissible if doing so will cause or hasten the death of the donor.
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An organ transplant is not morally admissible if the risks are disproportionate to the good sought.
II. Catechism of the Catholic Church on Organ Transplants
2296 Organ transplants are in conformity with the moral law if the physical and psychological dangers and risks incurred by the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient. Donation of organs after death is a noble and meritorious act and is to be encouraged as a manifestation of generous solidarity. It is not morally acceptable if the donor or those who legitimately speak for him have not given their explicit consent.
It is
furthermore
morally inadmissible
directly
to
bring
about the disabling mutilation or
death
of a
human
being, even in
order to delay
the
death
of other
persons.
III. Links
ARCHDIOCESE OF ST. PAUL & MINNEAP0LIS
328 WEST KELLOGG BLVD. • SAINT PAUL, MN 55102