Today more than ever, the ultimate meaning of human actions is not always understood. For example, many do not understand the existence of human actions that are devoid of self-interest and unconditional. One such action is organ donation. This lack of understanding is based on the emphasis that modern culture places on self-interested actions. Currently, there is limited space for a culture of donation. In a sense, this reality negatively affects organ donation. By emphasising the generous nature of the act of donating, this text seeks to show that organ donation is socially and culturally situated in the realm of gratuitousness and voluntariness. From this perspective, organ donation is understood not as a lucrative action, but as one that can only be obtained and procured through the generosity of the donor. In this sense, donation is a gift that involves a moral act of generosity, an altruistic behaviour that falls outside the logic of the market[1] .
Understanding donation as an act of generosity humanises this process. Humanising donation allows other people who need a transplant to start a new life thanks to the generosity of donors. These donors offer their organs motivated by the intrinsic value of this act. Emphasising the generous aspect of organ donation has a dual purpose: first, to raise awareness of the value and significance of this act; second, to encourage the population to participate in promoting donation. Statistics from the US Health Resources and Services Administration indicate that more than 113,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. The same statistics reveal that, of the total number of people on the waiting list, two out of three are over 50 years of age, approximately 2,000 are under 18, and more than 59% belong to ethnic minorities. These figures also indicate that every ten minutes a person is added to the national transplant waiting list, and approximately 22 people die every day in the United States while waiting for a transplant[2] . It is crucial to continue promoting and raising awareness about organ donation, ensuring that this act remains an expression of generosity and not an obligation. According to surgeon Nicolás Brozzi, human generosity has also brought good news . [3]
According to the Essential Dictionary of the Spanish Language of the Royal Spanish Academy, the Latin word “generositas” refers to the quality of being generous. In this sense, a generous person is one who gives what they have selflessly. However, generosity is not limited to the possession of material goods, but also encompasses the giving of what one is, implying dedication and even personal sacrifice. Consequently, every generous person exhibits a trait of magnanimity, that is, they possess “greatness of soul.” This breadth of spirit allows them to detach themselves from their possessions without being dominated by them. From this perspective, generosity is inseparable from a form of freedom and personal mastery. It is with this understanding that we propose to analyse organ donation as an act of generosity; a selfless act in which an individual freely gives of themselves for the benefit of others. If we aspire to increase the rate of organ donation worldwide, it is essential to foster a culture of generosity in various areas of our society, including families, schools, churches, universities, and supermarkets. This generosity must extend not only to those we know, but also to all those who need it.
Another extremely important element in addressing the generous nature of organ donation lies in the potential of a donor to save up to eight lives by donating vital organs such as the heart, two lungs, the liver, the pancreas, two kidneys, and the intestines. This fact is a paradigm of how life can be offered after death. Therefore, it is significant to emphasise the virtue of knowing how to give. A generous person is distinguished by discerning what is right to offer. Sometimes, life presents us with circumstances that require the assistance of others, transcending mere financial aid. What would our reflection be if a close relative, suffering from a serious illness, required a bone marrow transplant and we discovered our compatibility? What if the need were for a kidney? Would we proceed with the donation if it meant we could preserve their life?
Understanding organ donation as an intrinsically generous act could mitigate the problem of donors whose underlying motivations are not aligned with gratuitousness. Additionally, it would reduce the attitude of those donors who, in certain cases, harbour the expectation of some form of gratification or reciprocity[4] . The essence of generosity lies in giving selflessly, without setting preconditions. Insisting on the generous nature of organ donation could help reduce controversies such as organ trafficking or transplant tourism, phenomena that hinder the increase in donation rates.
At present, actively promoting the generous nature of organ donation is a pressing urgency if our genuine desire is to continue to provide a second chance at quality life to countless individuals awaiting a transplant. The greater the number of altruistic donors, the greater the number of lives that can be saved or whose quality of life will be significantly improved, and consequently, the waiting list of patients will be reduced.
As a Vincentian community, defined by love and generosity, we invite you to donate life and hope. Saint Vincent taught us to serve with our hearts. Leave a lasting legacy: give someone a second chance at life through organ donation. Remember that charity knows no bounds. Your generosity has the potential to save lives; consider becoming an organ donor. Your donation can be the light in another person’s life. As Vincentians, let us multiply the miracle of life through donation.
By Jean Rolex, C.M.
[1] Guerra, R. (2005). Organ donation: understanding and meaning. Thesis for a bachelor’s degree in sociology. University of Chile.
[2] US Health Resources and Services Administration. (2020). Face and hand transplants: eight things to know. Retrieved from https://donaciondeorganos.gov/sobre/qu%C3%A9/2hap/face-hands.html
[3] Pujadas, E. (2019). Organ donation: An act of generosity that transforms lives in a time of thanksgiving. Retrieved from https://doralfamilyjournal.com/donar-organos-un-acto-de-generosidad-que-transforma-vidas/#.
[4] Carrasco Andrino, M. (2015). The Trade in Human Organs for Transplantation. Valencia, Tirant lo Blanch.
