The article above addresses harvesting organs from aborted babies to advance medical research, which I assume is intended to eventually improve medical practices and care of patients--in other words to extend human lives. The question is raised whether women having abortions have been well advised and given their permission for the organ donation to occur. I agree that is a very important issue. While the LCMS has no specific position regarding the practices being carried out by Planned Parenthood, the Church does take a stand regarding organ donation, which can be read elsewhere on this website, a section of which I have quoted below. Regardless of the belief that abortion is contrary to God's Word, once the procedure has occurred, one could argue that the Synod's position on organ donation does apply and as long as the mother has given permission, it should be of no concern to the Church. At any any rate, what I am suggesting would make an interesting discussion. Moral issues these days are never as clear and simple as we want them to be.

"The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod encourages organ donation as an act of Christian love, but this choice is entirely up to the individual and/or his or her family, and should not be a cause of guilt or regret no matter what decision is made. The Bible has nothing specific to say regarding this issue. Therefore, it is a matter of Christian freedom and personal (or family) discretion."