Topic:  Can I donate my body after death?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: June 19, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question: What is the catholic church position on donating ones body to a medical school at time of death?Thanks!

Answer: 

Thank you for your question! Catholics view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and love. Transplants are morally and ethically acceptable to the Vatican. Pope John Paul II stated "The Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need for organ donors and that Christians should accept this as a challenge to their generosity and fraternal love so long as ethical principles are followed."

According to Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Organ transplants conform 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."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1992, number 2296