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Basic positions on the ethics of transplantations
The Bioethics Committee of the Church of Greece
The Bioethics Committee of the Church of Greece
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Abstract
The novel discoveries and impressive achievements of contemporary society in the field of biomedical sciences give rise to unfamiliar problems and challenges, generate questions that persistently ask for answers and create the need for specific guidance and deeper understanding of the existing values. The new scientific and technological data touch upon the mystery of life and the sacredness of the human person, and affect interpersonal relations. Thus, they influence more and more the life of the faithful who constantly anticipate the guidance and support of the Church. At the same time, social carriers, legislative and parliamentary bodies as well as the medical world ask persistently for specific and well-justified ecclesiastical word. The Bioethics Committee of the Church of Greece, after examining thoroughly and diligently the relevant bioethical issues from a theological, legal and medical aspect drew up an official document on the ethics of transplantation comprising of 55 basic articles, which was approved by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece in October 1999. This document analyses in detail the issue of transplantations. Its aim is not to restrict the faithful’s freedom within the limits of specific guidelines; but rather to contribute to the profound and detailed understanding of the various problems arising from transplantations, which will, in turn, lead them to more responsible and mature decision-making. Moreover, although the document has been approved by the Holy Synod, it has not been distributed yet officially to the clergy or the faithful. It is not a text of indisputable ecclesiastical word but its publication aims at initiating discussion on the issue of transplantations. However, we believe that it maintains the accuracy of scientific and clinical reality and safeguards the relevant basic principles of Orthodox anthropology. The text is explicit, provides guidance to people, embraces man as an image of God and constitutes a witness of the Orthodox Christian ethos.
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1999
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With permission of the license/copyright holder