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The ruling for skin allografts
Question
What is the ruling on human deceased donor skin allografts? I lost large portions of skin tissue as a result of an accident I was in. The depth and severity of tissue damage make it difficult for skin regeneration to take place in these areas. Seeing this disfigurement causes me psychological distress, and the large amount of tissue loss that has reached my muscles and blood vessels puts me at risk for major health problems. According to the treating physician, the loss of tissue and physical disfigurement can only be addressed via tissue transplantation. After a lot of testing, it was determined that the only option that would work for me and guarantee success would be transplantation of human skin compatible with mine. However, because of my poor health which does not allow further wounds and pain and the extent of afflicted areas, an autograft is impossible. In such a case, would it be permissible for me to benefit from human deceased donor skin allografts, especially from someone who volunteered before their death to donate their organs afterward?
Answer
There is no religious legal objection to human deceased donor skin allografts if there is a necessity. This should not, however, entail any form of financial gain and must adhere to the legal and religious requirements governing the transfer of human organs and tissues from the dead to the living.
Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta recommends the following:
1. The transplant should be conducted in a specialized medical facility licensed by the state, with no monetary exchange between the parties involved.
2. Only the amount of skin needed should be harvested from the deceased, for what is made permissible for a necessity should be measured by the extent of the necessity. Additionally, the body of the deceased should be restored to a presentable state after the skin is removed and shrouded appropriately.
3. All measures and precautions must be taken to prevent this procedure from becoming subject to manipulation and to ensure that it does not turn into a business involving human organs. Rather, it should be a cooperative effort towards charity and goodwill, achievable only by donation and without any form of exchange whatsoever.
And Allah Almighty knows best
