Singapore Law Blog

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, MUIS, is proposing that all Muslims be included under the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA).

It is reported that its fatwa or religious ruling committee has come up with a position that it is permissible for Muslims to come under the Act. This would mean that Muslims who do not want to have their organs harvested after death, will have to opt out of the scheme. Currently Muslims are excluded from HOTA and need to opt in to join the scheme.

As the number of Muslim organ pledges have been falling drastically in the last few years, MUIS said that there is an urgency to change the religious ruling now as it believes the community is generally settled on this issue, although there are still concerns regarding delays in burial, due to organ harvesting.

Having Muslims automatically included will give many patients hope for a new lease of life. When implemented, Muslims who do not want to have their organs harvested after death will have to opt out of the scheme.

The Ministry of Health has welcomed the new proposal and said it would study it in detail with MUIS and consult the Muslim community on this issue.