Famous Egyptian Doctor Proposes Utilizing Organs of Death Row Inmates

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Professor of Critical Care Medicine at Cairo University, Hossam Mowafi, raised a question about the possibility of utilizing the organs of death row inmates to save patients in need of organ transplants, calling for clarification on the legal and religious positions regarding this idea.

During his program "Rab Zidni Ilman" on Sada El-Balad channel yesterday, Mowafi directed his question to both the Attorney General and the Sheikh of Al-Azhar to find out whether the law and Sharia allow for the utilization of the organs of a death row inmate before or after the execution of the sentence, which would contribute to treating patients in need of organ transplants.

He also pointed out that several organs could be beneficial for patients, such as the kidneys, heart, corneas, and parts of the liver, noting that one person could help save or improve the lives of more than one patient by donating their organs.

He added that these organs are usually buried after death, questioning whether it would be possible to utilize them in critical medical cases instead of losing them.

Moreover, Mowafi confirmed that his proposal is aimed at seeking a clear opinion from the relevant authorities regarding the legality of the idea from both legal and religious perspectives, and not as a suggestion that can be implemented without consulting the concerned parties.

He emphasized that the issue of organ donation is linked to the principle of saving human life, citing the Quranic verse: "And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely."

He stressed that his remarks were limited to raising a question that requires study by specialists and relevant authorities to determine whether the idea aligns with the provisions of law and Sharia.

This comes amid ongoing discussions about the medical, legal, and religious regulations governing organ transplantation, while no new official position has been issued by the Attorney General or Al-Azhar regarding the issue raised by the famous doctor, according to sources that reported the statements.