The NHS appeal for organ donation to British Muslims : A corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis (CACDA) of British South Asian Muslim Responses

Maravia, Usman and McEnery, Tony (2025) The NHS appeal for organ donation to British Muslims : A corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis (CACDA) of British South Asian Muslim Responses. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This study investigates the discourse surrounding organ donation among British South Asian Muslims (BSAMs) in the context of the legislative changes introduced by Max and Keira’s Law in England in 2020. The law, which presumes consent for organ donation unless explicitly opted out, has significant implications for diverse communities, particularly those with unique cultural and religious perspectives. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, namely corpus-assisted critical discourse analysis (CA-CDA) to evaluate the NHS promotional materials aimed at engaging BSAMs in discussions about organ donation. The study begins by contextualising the historical and contemporary views of organ donation within Islamic jurisprudence, highlighting the varying fatwas issued by prominent Muslim scholars. It explores the ethical, cultural, and religious factors influencing BSAMs' attitudes towards organ donation, particularly the tension between traditional beliefs and modern medical practices. Through semi-structured interviews with community leaders, medical professionals, and wider members of the BSAM community, the research captures a range of perspectives on the challenges and acceptability of organ donation and the effectiveness of the NHS's outreach efforts. Findings reveal a complex landscape of opinions, where religious beliefs, cultural practices, and personal experiences intersect to shape attitudes towards organ donation. The study identifies significant barriers to organ donation within the BSAM community, including mistrust of medical institutions, concerns about the sanctity of the body, and the influence of authoritative religious figures. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of culturally sensitive communication strategies in promoting organ donation. Ultimately, this study contributes to the understanding of the way public health initiatives can be tailored to address the specific needs and concerns of BSAMs. By providing insights into the discourse on organ donation among BSAMs, the research aims to inform future policies and practices that could help to increase donor rates and improve health outcomes within this demographic.