Current Issues

Organ Donation and Judaism in the UK

James Neuberger, Associate Medical Director for NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), said: “NHSBT respects the views of all religions and has received public support from all the major faiths in the UK towards organ donation.

“It is a very personal choice and anyone with questions around how their religion reflects the donation of organs is urged to discuss it with their local faith leader.

“Organ donation only occurs after someone has died whether it is by cardiac or brain stem death and individual donors’ wishes are always at the centre of discussions with their relatives.

“We do not record donors’ religions on the Organ Donor Register (ODR) but anyone in favour of donation or joining the ODR should inform their relatives of any beliefs they hold that reflect their religion so that this can be taken into consideration at the time donation is being discussed.

“We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this important issue with the Chief Rabbi.”

Background:

Anyone signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register (ODR) is urged to discuss their wishes with family and friends to ensure they can confirm their wishes when the time comes.

Three people die every day in the UK because of the shortage of organs for transplant, so more people are needed to join the ODR and discuss their wishes with their relatives.

To sign up to the NHS Organ Donor Register call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

Ends

For further information, please contact the NHSBT press office on 0117 969 2444, at pressoffice@nhsbt.nhs.uk or out of hours on 07659 133583.

13 January 2011