Igros Moshe (YD II #174) Question Heart transplant from another person – a new procedure that a number of Doctors are now starting to do. Answer I don’t want to show a lot of proofs and analysis because all those who add analysis and proofs are simply making the issue worse. That is because it seems to be saying that proofs are needed since it is a complicated matter. As a consequence it will lead to leniencies when some of the proofs are refuted even though the proofs were not genuine. Thus they serve to weaken the case against transplants because people will conclude it is simply a matter disputed by great authorities and it is legitimate to choose either side. G-d forbid!. Therefore I will respond to this issue in this letter in a clear ruling clearly and absolutely and will avoid all dialectics and analysis stating unambiguously that this procedure of heart transplants that doctors have recently started to do is simply the killing of two people. The doctors are killing with their own hands the one who is donating the heart since he is still alive not only according the Torah for which it is a capital crime , but also according to the doctors since there are some who are truthful and say the donor is alive when the heart is removed. However because of their wickedness they are not interested in preserving the donor’s life because he is not expected to live much longer anyway. In addition they are killing with their own hands the recipient who can live for many more years sometimes even for decades with his heart condition. It is well established that heart disease patients can live long lives. This that a heart transplant is done results in the deaths of the donor and recipient in a short time sometimes even hours. Others linger for a few days. While it is true there is a case in Africa that the recipient is still alive after 6 months, nevertheless the consensus is that it is impossible for him to continue living. It is astounding that countries around the world permit the evil doctors to kill two people since it is known that neither typically lives. Therefore the governments should punish these doctors who are literally murderers even though the patient consents. The agreement is a mistake because of the seduction of the evil doctors. Beside that a person is not allowed t to kill himself. My response to this question should be publicized without modifying my language
https://traditiononline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Stadlan_0063-00911.pdf
ReplyDeleteThe issue is still a matter of debate It largely depends on whether Rav Moshe accepted the views that his son in law claims
DeleteI'm reminded of the very interesting question you raised about aluminium in 2 different contexts.
DeleteA) tevilas keilim
B) transmitting tumat meitim
It seems to me there's not necessarily a contradiction
.(Assuming I understand the problem)
With keilim, Rav Moshe seems to be arguing that the metals mentioned in the Torah are the relevant species, (just like there are only 5 grains that we can make matzot from)
For transmission of tumat meitim, is it possible that there is a different cheshbon, eg just like with electricity, there are conductors and insulators (copper, aluminium etc conduct electricity), rubber or plastics don't and are insulators...
When I was in school, I did a rotation in a Cardiac unit in Israel and there was a Chareidi guy there with end-stage heart failure. His family apparently was running around Europe looking for a heart donor for him. Funny thing. They will tell you it's murder but if someone else murders a Gentile, they'll take the heart.
DeleteThat's actually what Rav Bleich says. It's murder, but.. once it's done, the organ is mutar.
DeleteYes, but it's uncomfortable to imagine people walking around and saying "Yes, it's good that the goy surgeon murders the goy patient so we can benefit"
DeleteWhat is the life expectancy of a heart transplant patient?
DeleteThe average patient survival after a heart transplant in the UK is 14 years.
https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/organ-transplantation/heart/is-a-heart-transplant-right-for-you/heart-transplant-faqs/
Perhaps in halacha it is not about averages?
The teshuva was written in the early days of heart transplants
When people are desperate to save someone's life they will use any shortcuts they can find
Deletehttps://www.healthline.com/health/heart/how-long-do-heart-transplants-last
DeleteStill can't murder the donor
DeleteWell that's been the world's sore point with us and it's justified. According to us, we can murder the donor, as long as he's not Jewish.
Deleteeither we can't murder him , or we can murder both Jewish and not jewish, depending on what you mean by murder. We can "accept" the organ from anyone, even if we consider them to be "murdered" to get it.
Delete