Religious Views on Organ & Tissue Donation & Funeral Rites
Organ and tissue donation is a generous gift, offering hope, healing and even life to others. For many families, however, the decision to donate is deeply personal and often influenced by religious or spiritual beliefs. Most major religions support donation as an act of compassion, though each faith may have its own teachings, traditions or considerations. If you or your loved one is part of an organized religion, understanding how your faith views organ donation can bring comfort and clarity during end-of-life planning.
Religious views on organ and tissue donation
About 72% of adults in the United States are part of an organized religion, according to the PRRI 2024 Religion Census. Most major religions support organ and tissue donation because they encourage a basic common principle that it’s essential to help those in need. However, each religion may have its own considerations.
This article will help you learn more about the views of:
Buddhism
Buddhists believe in being generous and helping others. Organ and tissue donation is not formally addressed in Buddhism, but it’s viewed as a generous and caring act. Buddhists are encouraged to make decisions about organ and tissue donation in advance so their wishes are respected at their time of death.
Christianity
There are a wide variety of denominations of Christianity, but overall, Christian belief holds that God wishes Christians to express love and kindness for their fellow humans. Most Christian denominations believe that organ donation is a moral and ethical gift. They encourage organ and tissue donation as a demonstration or enactment of God’s love.
Protestant
Many Protestant denominations support organ and tissue donation, as they value individual choice and compassion. Protestants see donation as reflecting the principles of giving and sacrifice found in the New Testament. Though beliefs may vary, many Protestants view organ and tissue donation as a symbol of caring and generosity in line with the core values of the Protestant faith.
Catholic
The Roman Catholic view on organ donation considers it an act of love and charity that’s both morally and ethically acceptable. Catholics believe organ and tissue donation aligns with the teachings of Christ. Followers of the Catholic faith are encouraged to donate tissue and organs as a way to honor the God-given gift of life. The Vatican has publicly supported organ donation. Pope John Paul II described it as a genuine act of charity in line with the Catholic understanding of the sanctity of life and human dignity.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
While specific views may vary among jurisdictions, many Eastern Orthodox churches support organ and tissue donation when it is done freely, without financial gain and with the intention of helping others. As with other faiths, the decision is often made in consultation with a spiritual advisor.
Hinduism
In Hinduism, there are certain virtuous acts called niyamas that people should follow in life. These include being generous (dāna) and serving others (seva). Donating tissues and organs is believed to be more meaningful than giving material things or doing service. Since Hinduism encourages generosity and serving others, organ and tissue donation is accepted within the religion and even encouraged.
Humanist and secular perspectives
For those who identify as Humanist or do not belong to a religious tradition, organ and tissue donation is often viewed as a meaningful moral choice—an opportunity to help others and leave a lasting legacy of kindness. Many secular individuals decide based on values such as compassion, altruism and public good.
Islam
Many Muslims believe that the body is sacred and should be treated with respect after death. However, many Islamic scholars and organizations permit organ and tissue donation as a charitable act, especially when it saves a life. The decision is personal and often made in consultation with an imam, taking into account the teachings of the Qur’an and Islamic ethics.
Jehovah’s Witness
Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed to organ or tissue donation, as long as all blood is removed from the organs and tissues before transplantation, in accordance with their beliefs about blood. The choice to donate is a personal one, and members are encouraged to make their wishes known.
Judaism
In Judaism, two guiding mitzvot—kavod ha'met (honoring the dead) and pikuach nefesh (saving a life)—inform decisions around organ donation. While kavod ha'met emphasizes the dignity and integrity of the body, pikuach nefesh is considered by many Jewish authorities to take precedence. As a result, many Jewish communities support organ donation when it can save a life.
Mormon/Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not have an official position for or against organ donation but views it as a selfless act of compassion. Members are encouraged to decide thoughtfully, considering medical advice, personal feelings and prayer.
Impacts of organ donation on funerals and cremations
In most cases, organ and tissue donation does not prevent or significantly delay a funeral, cremation or burial. However, the donation process depends on how and where a person dies.
Organ donation—such as the heart, lungs, kidneys or liver—usually takes place in a hospital setting, where the person is on a ventilator and receiving medical support to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the organs until donation can occur.
Tissue and eye donation (such as corneas, skin or bone) has a broader window—typically up to 24 hours after death—and can occur even if a person passes away outside the hospital, such as in hospice or at home.
Recovery teams coordinate with funeral homes to ensure people are treated with care and dignity. Your religious leader can help coordinate and communicate your wishes. In most cases, donation does not interfere with open-casket services or religious funeral customs, and timelines can often still be met. However, in rare cases organ donation may cause complications with embalming, may have longer-than-usual delay, or might cause the remains to be unfit for viewing.
Register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor
By registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor, you give hope to people waiting for transplants and offer comfort to grieving families. It’s a powerful legacy of compassion—and it takes only a minute to sign up. Learn more at Donate Life America.
This article provides general information on how organ, eye and tissue donation may affect funeral services for people with different religious beliefs, but does not reflect the nuances of each religion, which may differ based on geographic region, religious sects, etc. Please consult your religious leader with any questions about beliefs and rituals specific to your religion.