When does death occur?

[gmichaud]

In order to determine when to take organs for donation, when would we say, as Catholics, that death has occurred? Do we accept the decision of the doctor, or is there a specific definition or means by which we measure death?

 

[JimG]

In order to determine when to take organs for donation, when would we say, as Catholics, that death has occurred? Do we accept the decision of the doctor, or is there a specific definition or means by which we measure death?

There is some debate about this. Personally, I’m reluctant to take the word of doctors if they are thinking of taking someone’s organs.

The problem is this: dead organs are of no use to anybody. So the organs must be alive when taken from the donor. If his organs are still alive, is the donor still alive? Has the soul left the body?

Well, but the brain is dead, they say. (Actually not completely dead, but dead enough.) My question is this: is a human being just equivalent to his brain?

If you pull the life support and the heart and lungs stop, then the patient is dead. But that doesn’t help because, as I said, no one wants dead organs.

 

[Jermosh]

This is a really gray and unique area, one must confide with a Dr and hopefully with a preist. I unfortuntly have been in this situation, and can state that its a hard to make a logical and objective decision.

 

[JimG]

This is a really gray and unique area, one must confide with a Dr and hopefully with a preist. I unfortuntly have been in this situation, and can state that its a hard to make a logical and objective decision.

I’ve never been in the situation but I’m sure it would be a hard decision to make. When I made a POA and a living will, I afterwards discussed it with my brother, telling him that it is simply not possible to foresee every conceivable medical situation. If the patient is not conscious, it falls to the relatives to make the best decision possible. The doc provides the medical advice; the family acts on their own best ethics.

 

[Jermosh]

I’ve never been in the situation but I’m sure it would be a hard decision to make. When I made a POA and a living will, I afterwards discussed it with my brother, telling him that it is simply not possible to foresee every conceivable medical situation. If the patient is not conscious, it falls to the relatives to make the best decision possible. The doc provides the medical advice; the family acts on their own best ethics.

Yes, this is why making a Living Will, POA, and DNR are importent aspects to speak with your priest and Dr with. It only going to help your family in the end.