Miraculous recoveries from coma are well recorded. Further, recent evidence indicates that the victim of coma may be aware of what is going on. A coma victim may not fit into the definition of death as I have described it. I don't believe these people should be considered organ donors until their coma condition has been diagnosed as hopeless. This is particularly hard to do on a person who is breathing without life support and is a task that should not be undertaken lightly.
Living wills can help caregivers make a decision of life and death.
Anyone making the decision of life and death must follow strict guidelines to avoid murder. Equally, people should not act unethically and arrange to be paid for their organs while they are alive. The definition of a non person must be very clear and not subject to interpretation. Anesthesiologists must always act as a patient advocate before participating in organ harvesting. Presented at the Midwest Anesthesia Conference, May 1, 1999.