Resolution on Organ and Tissue Donation (1997)

WHEREAS, consideration for the health and welfare of others is at the heart of Jewish ethics; and

WHEREAS, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly has approved the donation of some organs; and

WHEREAS, organ and tissue donation is a life-giving act, since transplantation of organs and tissues is scientifically proven as a way to save the lives of persons with terminal diseases or to improve the quality of life for the blind, the deaf, and others with life-threatening diseases; and

WHEREAS, the opportunity to bring healing and hope to an afflicted person by the family of a person who died an otherwise senseless death may provide a deep measure of comfort to said family; and

WHEREAS, those in need who do not receive organ and tissue donations continue to suffer and die due to lack of consent for donation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM affirms the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encouraging all Jews to become enrolled as organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying cards or drivers' licenses attesting to their commitment of such organs and tissues upon their deaths to those in need, as approved by the Committee of Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly.