“…I Felt Obliged to Him and Donated My Organ”: Gendered Experiences of Women Living Organ Donors in India

Eighty-two percent of living organ donors in India in 2022 were women. However, there is a lack of empirical studies on living organ donors in India that would help us understand why. This chapter explores the gendered experiences of women living organ donors to understand their reasons for organ donation, their decision-making processes, and their experiences with the healthcare system during the donation process. The chapter is based on a qualitative exploratory study of the experiences of 15 women living organ donors in Rajasthan, India. The researcher applied a critical gender perspective during the data collection and analysis stage to understand the role of patriarchy and gender roles in influencing women’s decisions. Ten women had donated organs to their spouses and five to their children. The women donors expressed a sense of self-sacrifice and responsibility toward the health and well-being of their children and spouses. Stemming from their gender socialization, women perceived organ donation as their maternal or spousal duty to reduce the suffering of their husbands or children or save their lives. Their stories indicated that subtle pressure from family members may have influenced their decisions to donate their organs. Within the healthcare system, women donors reported experiencing neglect or less prompt care than recipients, leading to postsurgery health complications. In a patriarchal society like India, women’s right to health and autonomy over their bodies was compromised severely during organ donation. Researchers recommend that healthcare professionals provide comprehensive support to organ donors, especially women, by addressing their concerns and fostering open communication to understand and address their gendered vulnerabilities and ensure their well-being throughout the donation process.