Ask Gramps.org

Are Mormons discouraged from donating organs?

Dear Gramps,

I do have a question for you! I remember being taught at some point that as Mormons, we were discouraged from being organ donors. If this is correct (and I might have just heard something wrong) could you please tell me why? Are there scriptures or have the prophets said something to this effect? Thank you in advance.

Margaret, from Utah

Dear Margaret,

If you have been taught that the Mormon Church discourages organ donation, you were being taught the opinion of some individual. Here is the statement from the General Handbook of Instructions on organ donation:

Whether an individual chooses to will his own bodily organs or authorizes the transplant of organs from a deceased family member is a decision for the individual or the deceased member’s family. The decision to receive a donated organ should be made with competent medical counsel and confirmation through prayer” (General Handbook of Instructions, 11-6).

Gramps

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