Defining Death in America: The Intersection of Law, Medicine, Ethics, and Politics

Two recent end of life cases - the McMath case in Oakland and the Munoz case in Texas- have drawn significant media attention to the legal, medical, ethical, and political implications of defining and declaring death.  In both cases, physicians            determined the individuals to be brain dead; a declaration that results in an immediate (and usually undisputed) legal determination of death. However, in these cases the declaration of brain death triggered heated disputes as to the veracity of the medical determination and its legal consequences.  The cases also raised important questions about patient and family rights with regard to end of life treatment, the duties of medical providers, and the interests of society at large.  At this presentation,            medical and legal experts will comment on these two cases, as well as the broader issues they raise.  After initial comments, the moderator will lead an interactive discussion with the audience.  We hope you will join us. 

Moderator: Robert Brody, MD

Panel: David Faigman, JD, UCSF; Steve Pantilat, MD, UCSF; Radhika Rao, JD, UC Hastings; Debra Gerardi, RN, JD, EHCCO; J. Dawn Waters, MD, Stanford.