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.
• It is not morally admissible to take organs if doing so will cause or hasten the death of the donor.
• It is not morally admissible to take organs if the risks are disproportionate to the good sought.

Reference to the 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.

Additional Resources

• Address of Pope John Paul II to the 18th International Congress of the Transplantation Society (Vatican)
• Organ Transplancts and Cloning (CERC)