Bridging Legal, Ethical, and Policy Gaps in Cross-border Deceased Organ Donation: A Case Report of a Foreign National Donor

Organ donation (OD) is one of the most profound acts of compassion, where a single decision can save multiple lives. However, when OD involves foreign nationals, the process often presents unique challenges. This study presents the case of a 2-year-old brain-dead foreign national who turned out to be India’s youngest foreign national organ donor, highlighting the legal, cultural, and procedural complexities encountered and the gaps in existing frameworks for cross-border OD. Persistent counseling, compliance with procedural and legal provisions requirements, and embassy coordination ultimately led to the kidneys, pancreas, and cornea transplantation, showcasing the success of pediatric-to-adult organ use. This case report emphasizes the need for national protocols to minimize procedural hurdles, prevent delays, and spare donor families’ prolonged grief.