Famous Egyptian Doctor Proposes Utilizing Organs of Death Row Inmates

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Professor of Critical Care Medicine at Qasr Al-Aini Medical School, Hossam Mowafi, raised a question about the possibility of benefiting from the organs of those sentenced to death to save patients in need of organ transplants, calling for clarification on the legal and religious positions regarding this idea.

During his presentation of the 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 benefiting from 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 is possible to benefit from them in critical medical cases instead of losing them.

Mawafi confirmed that his proposal comes within the framework of seeking a clear opinion from the relevant authorities regarding the legality and religious legitimacy of the idea, and not as a suggestion that can be implemented without referring to the concerned parties.

He pointed out 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 emphasized 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 Public Prosecution or Al-Azhar regarding the issue raised by the famous doctor, according to sources that reported the statements.