[sometime lurker]

I disagree, and so do many physicians, particularly neurologists and neurosurgeons. If it's only a "ruse" to increase organ donation, why are brain dead patients who are unsuitable as organ donors taken off ventilators? Perhaps you might take a look at this article.

Nine Class IV studies have been published on the recognition of brain-death mimics, including fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome, organophosphate intoxication, high cervical spinal cord injury, lidocaine toxicity, baclofen overdose, and delayed vecuronium clearance.6–14 The description of the examinations provided in these studies indicated that a complete brain death examination was not performed in any of these patients. We found no reports in peer-reviewed medical journals of recovery of brain function after a determination of brain death using the AAN practice parameter. (emphasis added)

Translation - those who don't examine properly to determine brain death will make tragic mistakes. Take home point - do the right exam the right way.

Now, what do you suggest be done with those unfortunates who have had trauma, toxic exposure, cardiac arrest from which they were resuscitated, and whose brains were without oxygen for prolonged periods? Who show no evidence of brain function whatsoever? Should they all be kept on ventilators until the heart gives out?

[wagglebee]

From the article you linked:

What is an adequate observation period to ensure that cessation of neurologic function is permanent?

Recommendations for the length of observation periods have varied extensively throughout the world and the United States. There are no detailed studies on serial examinations in adult patients who have been declared brain dead.

Conclusion.

There is insufficient evidence to determine the minimally acceptable observation period to ensure that neurologic functions have ceased irreversibly.

[kaila]

The Catholics want everyone on a ventilator.