In this episode of Ethics on Call, Dan and Tom discuss the recent controversy in Catholic circles surrounding the determination of death by neurologic criteria (DNC). The episode features an interview with Dr. Sherri Bracksick, a neuro-intensivist who regularly assesses patients for DNC. Dan and Tom discuss the various options that Catholic health organizations have and offer their own moral analysis of the current American Academy of Neurology guideline.
You can find articles cited in this episode below:
Center for Theology and Ethics in Catholic Health, "Position Statement: Recent Controversies in Catholic Ethics Regarding the Determination of Death by Neurological Criteria"
Jason T. Eberl. "What is the True Death of a Human Being?" in 50 Years of Philosophy and Medicine. Edited byLisa M. Rasmussen and Soren Holm. Springer Nature. 2025: 181 - 199.
Daniel Sulmasy, et al., "A Biophilosophical Approach to the Determination of Brain Death," CHEST Journal, Vol. 165, Issue 4 (April 2024): 959-966.
"A Definition of Irreversible Coma: Report of the Ad Hoc Committee of the Harvard Medical School to Examine the Definition of Brain Death," JAMA, Vol. 205, No. 6 (1968).
National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, "Uniform Determination of Death Act" (1980).
David M. Greer, et al, "Pediatric and Adult Brain Death/Death by Neurologic Criteria Consensus Guideline: Report of the AAN Guidelines Subcommittee, AAP, CNS, and SCCM," Neurology (October 11, 2023).
Joseph M. Eble, MD, John A. Di Camillo, and Peter J. Colosi. "Catholics United on Brain Death and Organ Donation: A Call to Action," National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly, Vol. 24, Issue 1 (Spring 2024).
