What Is Death?

As I have previously discussed, Lifeline of Ohio recentlywon the right to harvest the organs of Elijah Smith, a 21-year-old Columbus manwho ended up on artificial life support after being struck while riding hisbicycle.  Smith’s family fought againstthe donation, arguing death does not occur until all organs have ceasedfunctioning.

This tragic case raises the question of what exactly constitutesdeath.  Most doctors agree death occurswhen the brain ceases to perform its essential functions.  Doctors have a list of tests they must run toconclude death has occurred and must cancel out all other explanations.

Ohio law agrees with the widespread belief that the absenceof brain activity equals death.  Thosedonating organs and their families should be aware that the majority of donatedorgans come from those who are brain dead, because their organs are still beingsupplied with oxygen-rich blood.  Theyshould know that bodies of the brain dead are kept on life support for anaverage of 24 hours before organ removal, a time that can be especiallydifficult for their loved ones.

See Misti Crane, Dispute Over Organ Donation Brings Attentionto Defining Death, The Columbus Dispatch, July 22, 2013.