To offset the commonly held misperception that major religions are opposed to organ and tissue donation, the New York Organ Donor Network continues to promote a religious initiative to set the record straight.
By enlisting the support and participation of some of New York's most influential religious leaders, the Donor Network hopes to increase the number of people who consent to organ and tissue donation by signing the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry.
Elaine Berg, President and CEO of the New York Organ Donor Network, commenting on our religious initiative, said: "While it is difficult to precisely quantify the campaign's impact, we do know that the unfounded belief that religions forbid organ donation, discourages people from enrolling in the organ donor registry, and for some families to withhold consent in such a situation. We urge the clergy to send a clear message to their congregations that organ and tissue donation is one of the highest expressions of compassion."
Ms. Berg also asked religious leaders in New York to encourage their congregants to discuss their wishes regarding donation with their families. "It is important to do so," she says, "as consent is sought from next of kin, regardless of consent on a driver's license or enrollment in the registry." |
