an Australian organ transplant

Another study by University of Pennsylvania discovered the less people trust medical professionals, the less likely they are to donate. This mistrust may arise from personal experiences or misconceptions regarding how the medical community treats registered organ donors. This was one of the largest deterrents within the USA for organ donation, driven by the unfounded belief that doctors might invest less effort in saving the lives of registered donors. However, this belief contradicts the reality: ER doctors operate independently from the Transplant Unit, and all doctors are bound by the Hippocratic Oath to prioritize saving lives. Brain death is only declared after exhausting all possible measures, which is in itself a statistical improbability as fewer than 2% of all hospital deaths are brain-deaths. Transitively, it is evident this medical distrust and lack of understanding is often clouded by irrationality and misinformation.

The Religious Riddle: Disentangling the Threads of Faith Religion, a cornerstone of identity and belief, often looms as the largest barriers to organ donation within Asian communities. Interestingly though, most religious doctrines do align with the act of organ donation, portraying it as both a moral and ethical obligation. This was encapsulated when Jesus spoken in the sermon on the Mount, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Though the Golden rule is known to the West through the gospels of Matthew and Luke, this principle is both older and more universal than that – it is prominent in Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. This rule universally requites that we accept the desires of others as if they were our own.

Helping those in need is strongly emphasized in Judaism – the Hebrew word for “charity”, tzedakah, simply means “justice” and as this suggests for Jews is an essential part of living a just life. Whilst others may view charity as an act of benevolence, tzedakah is doing what is righteous, it is an ethical obligation. There is nothing new about the idea that we have a strong moral obligation to help those in need. In situations where rescue is easy, our intuitions tell us that it would be wrong not to do so. Yet we all see or read appeals to help those living in extreme poverty, or dying from illness, and nevertheless most of us fail to ‘do unto others’.

From Idealism to Action: The Heart of Altruism

Beyond religion, is there a philosophical argument why we may not donate? Libertarians may reject the idea that we have a duty to help others. At a glance, a political philosophy where “You respect my space, and I’ll respect yours” may seem attractive, as it appeals to an ideal where we can carve our own life unperturbed by others. However, this philosophy is callous and denies we have any responsibility to those who, through no fault of their own, are in need. The essence of a just and functioning society unfurls when we stand accountable for the well-being of fellow humans. Organ donation transcends individuality; it is a tangible embodiment of helping others founded on the pillars of altruism.

Investing in Humanity

The threads of argument converge on a vital note - beyond the ripples of saving lives, how does this benefit the economy and society? A recent study on Kidney Donations in Australia discovered that a 20% increase in donations would translate into a cost-saving of $650 million and a gain of 10 400 quality-adjusted life years (QALY), whilst saving the lives of over 1500 individuals. As we expand the study to include other organs we can see how these positive effects will accumulate. The act of donating thus becomes an investment in both humanity and fiscal stability.

The Final Battle: The Heart and Mind Dilemma

Consider a very simple truth: a life is a life, no matter where that life lives. A human being abroad is no less valuable than a human being here. Given that simple transitive property of inherent human value, shouldn’t we consider treating the life of strangers with the same care and attention we give to our own kin? Yes, but it’s not so simple.

Take for example, Zell Kravinsky, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania who famously donated his kidney to a stranger. When he told his wife about the kidney donation, she vehemently objected on the grounds that one of their family or friends may need it - a sentiment shared by most. Prioritising family feels natural and in most cases is right. However, Kravinsky argued that “the sacrosanct commitment to family is the rationalisation for all manner of greed and selfishness.” In a way this rings true, no one says I work for Philip Morris or

Monsanto because I like the money, they oft justify themselves by saying they’re saving up for the kids.

Kravinsky further argued that the chances of dying from surgery are about 1 in 4000 and to withhold a kidney from someone meant that you valued your own life 4000 times more than that of a stranger, an equation he deemed nonsensical. Upon reflection, when guided by the fierce emotional bond of family I can see how even I would object to the donation. As such it is easy to see how the intangible value assigned to a loved one’s life can cloud the scenario irrationally and is a reminder that our choices are often dictated by both cognition and emotion.

The Unspoken Conversation: Family and Donation

This familial sway isn’t unique; it’s a reminder of the vital role family plays in the organ donation narrative. In Australia, family consultation is often sought in such decisions. Engaging in an open dialogue with loved ones about organ donation becomes essential as they can decide not to donate your organs and tissues, even if you wanted to be a donor. As many as 40% of Australians do not know the donation wishes of their family members.

Further, the conversation of organ donation ultimately rests on the tombstone of our own mortality– a topic most individuals are afraid to discuss with their families, especially within minority communities, stemming from fears of summoning untimely demise. Yet, this unspoken fear feeds a cycle; only 14% of Australians have advance directives, and reluctance persists. But researchers unveil a glimmer of hope—the more candid and normalized the discussion on death and organ donation, the greater the likelihood of inspiring individuals to register. Discussing your intentions with your family ensures your wishes are understood and respected, even amidst the swirl of emotions.

The Paradigm Shift: Making Donation the Norm

By exploring the rational, cognitivebased variables and more visceral or spiritual noncognitive variables, it is clear that becoming a registered organ donor is the right thing to do. However, an ardent shift is needed - a transition where organ donation is culturally ingrained. Initiatives which target diverse groups—a mix of ages, ethnicities, and professions— and seek to dissolve apathy are critical elements in increasing awareness and ultimately registrations around organ donations. I witnessed this recently, when Chris Thomas, CEO of Transplant Australia, inspired 200 Indian women at the Saree Enthusiasts event in Sydney with his impassioned words about the life-transforming impact of organ donation. Partnerships like these between Transplant Australia and the cause-based Rotary Club of Organ Donation are critical bastions in shifting the collective consciousness around organ donation and ultimately saving lives.

A vital conversation pulsating beyond boundaries

In writing this article I hope that you will not blithely ignore the tragedy of the organ shortage issue we face globally without considering—even if just for a moment—the impacted lives of those affected. It is not necessary you become a live donor and donate your kidney, but at the very least you should look into organ donor registration or have a discussion with your loved ones around organ donation to dispel the myths and taboos which shadow an important topic.

Adam Vasser’s saga, and the countless stories of recipients echo with a common refrain—a call to step beyond hesitation, to bridge the divide between intent and action. In the symphony of life, organ donation emerges as a powerful crescendo which can reverberate across lifetimes. Interlacing religion, philosophy, trust and economics, it is clear that organ donation harmonises with all our beliefs, rational or irrationaland is the morally right thing to do. Within us all lies the power to reshape destinies, to gift life, and to sow hope where it’s needed most - don’t bury that gift in the ground.