All the major religions in the UK support the principles of blood transfusion, organ, tissue and bone marrow donation, and transplantation as a gift of life. These include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

Many denominations encourage their members, as part of their ministry, to become organ and tissue donors.

Religious leaders say that within their teachings there is evidence of their support of donation – the wish to relieve suffering, helping others in need, selfless giving, saving life and sacrifice. All the major religions accept that organ donation is a matter of individual choice.

Some individuals and groups have concerns about giving or receiving donations based on their traditions or religious beliefs. For example in some cultures blood has historically been linked to the soul and reincarnation. This creates doubts that they can be reincarnated if an individual has given away some of their blood, or taken in someone else’s. Once this thinking is established in the family or culture it becomes difficult to go against a parent’s or elder’s wishes and start donating blood.

In some communities there has been genuine concern that passing blood from one person to another is dangerous on medical grounds. However before people are allowed to donate blood rigorous health questions are asked to ensure that the blood is safe to donate. Also all blood donation equipment is sterile and only used once and all blood is tested for a number of diseases as it is being processed.

The UK Transplant website has a lot more information on religious perspectives on donation.