Organ donations

There is a belief among a section of our community that organs from deceased persons cannot be donated for transplantation on religious grounds, maintaining that we have no right in disposing of the assets bestowed on us by the creator.

What happens to the soul after it leaves the body is a subject solely in the realm of the imagination as science has no reply. What ultimately counts are the noble Zoroastrian principles of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, especially the latter to alleviate human suffering. Whatever be the mode of disposal of the dead — dakhmenashini, burial or cremation — the body eventually disintegrates into dust, to fertilize the mother earth. The same fate awaits the donated organ when the receiver passes away.

Several questions arise. Does the belief hold good only for cadaver transplants or also for kidney donation by a living person to a relative? If both are not permitted, then imagine the rise in criminal activities and illegal trade by unscrupulous elements depriving the unsuspecting masses of vital physiological function!

Are we to impose a ban on blood donation and bone marrow transplants too as we have no right to decide on what is gifted to us by the Almighty?

It is likely that future research might eliminate the need of transplants. Progress in stem cell research is promising, but till then have we any other option?

Dr V. M. MEHER-HOMJI