If a patient is pronounced legally brain dead does the hospital have the right to pull the plug even if the next living relative is refusing to unplug the respirator?

Answer 1

Medical doctors decide which medical treatments are appropriate for each patient. They are under no duty to provide medical care to a brain dead patient so there is no tort or criminal liability if they unplug a brain dead patient. Most families of brain dead patients want the respirator unplugged since their loved one is already gone and the financial pressure of continued medical care is sometimes oppressive.

Answer 2

Yes, if a patient is legally declared brain dead, the hospital can proceed with removing life support measures, even if the next living relative is refusing. In such cases, the hospital will typically follow legal and ethical guidelines to make decisions in the best interest of the patient.