"Modernizing the U.S. Death Act: Redefining the Concept of Death"
A survey of 41 influential organizations reveals that 83% support revisions to the U.S. Uniform Determination of Death Act, which currently defines death as the irreversible cessation of brain or cardiopulmonary functions. The study highlights the need to align the legal definition of death with current medical standards, removing the requirement of hormone function loss for a brain death declaration. There is also a divide between medical organizations and patient advocacy groups on the issue of discontinuing mechanical ventilation post-declaration. The study calls for the recognition of international and national medical standards for death by neurological criteria and the clarification of legal guidance for healthcare providers when families object to removing mechanical ventilation for brain-dead patients.