11-03-2009, 01:32 PM
The Noahide prohibition of murder includes a prohibition against even non-lethal injuring of one's self or others, unless the "injury" is actually for the sake of healing the body - for example, a medical operation. In this context, a Gentile is permitted to donate an organ to save the life of another person, if this will not be threatening to the life of the donor. An example would be the donation of a kidney, which the donor can live OK without.
However, vital organs (such as the heart, or the entire liver, which a person can't live without) may not be removed from the body of a Gentile donor until AFTER the donor has died (i.e. after his or her heart has permanently stopped beating).
However, vital organs (such as the heart, or the entire liver, which a person can't live without) may not be removed from the body of a Gentile donor until AFTER the donor has died (i.e. after his or her heart has permanently stopped beating).