Brain Death

"Brain Dead" Boy "Dies"

by Wesley J. Smith

The case of M.B., the 12-year-old boy whose Orthodox Jewish parents sought to have his life support continued after he was declared dead by neurological criteria, is over. From the story: The boy had already been declared brain dead, but some adherents of Jewish religious law say death occurs only . . . . Continue Reading »

A Miracle or a Mistake?

by Wesley J. Smith

Zack Dunlap was apparently killed in an auto accident and his organs were going to be procured, when he “came back.” From the story:Natalie Morales: What did the doctors tell you at that point?Pam Dunlap: She just said it wasn’t good.Doug Dunlap: She said brain matter was coming . . . . Continue Reading »

The Need for Uniform Criteria to Declare Death by Neurological Criteria

by Wesley J. Smith

I have written several posts about the need to develop uniform standards of declaring death by neurological criteria—popularly known as “brain death.” Now, there’s some more information out about that problem. From the story:Guidelines for determining brain death differ . . . . Continue Reading »