3. Inconsistency between the Circulatory and the Brain Criteria of Death in the Uniform Determination of Death Act

Inconsistency between the Circulatory and the Brain Criteria of Death in the Uniform Determination of Death Act

Download here 

CEUs: 2 Ethics

Average read time: 60 minutes.

Short Summary of the Article:

This article, titled “Inconsistency between the Circulatory and the Brain Criteria of Death in the Uniform Determination of Death Act”, explores the conceptual inconsistencies present in the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA). The UDDA defines death using two criteria: the irreversible cessation of circulatory and respiratory functions, or the irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain. However, the article argues that these criteria are inconsistent because they rely on different interpretations of the “cessation of functions.” One criterion considers only the cessation of spontaneous functions, while the other includes both spontaneous and artificially supported functions. The authors suggest that this inconsistency creates ethical and philosophical challenges in medical practice and propose potential solutions to reconcile the two criteria.

Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this activity, you should have an understanding of:

1. The ethical and philosophical implications of defining death based on circulatory-respiratory versus brain-based criteria in the UDDA.
2. How medical technology challenges traditional concepts of death by allowing for artificial maintenance of circulatory, respiratory, and brain functions.
3. Potential solutions to address the inconsistencies in the criteria for death determination, including the ethical consequences of using one criterion over another.

(Max of 3 Attempts)