WHEREAS, Organ procurement for transplantation falls far short of demand; and
WHEREAS, Organ transplant technology has transformed many lives from certain death to vibrant productivity; and
WHEREAS, A Gallup poll reported in the New York Times May 3, 1987, that 82% of respondents would donate adult relatives’ organs in appropriate situations, but only 20% had completed a donor card; and
WHEREAS, Complete resurrection of the body does not depend on bodily wholeness at death; and
WHEREAS, The values of a godless society promote self-sufficiency to such a degree that people are indifferent to the needs of others, as seen in resistance to organ donations; and
WHEREAS, Organ donation for research or transplantation is a matter of personal conscience.
Therefore be it RESOLVED, That we, the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in San Antonio, Texas, June 14-16, 1988, encourage physicians to request organ donation in appropriate circumstances; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we encourage voluntarism regarding organ donations in the spirit of stewardship, compassion for the needs of others, and alleviating suffering; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we recognize the validity of living wills and organ donor cards, along with the right of next of kin to make decisions regarding organ donations; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That nothing in the resolution be construed to condone euthanasia, infanticide, abortion, or harvesting of fetal tissue for the procurement of organs.