Prof. Edmund Pellegrino on brain death: a personal statement from the 2008 White Paper of the President’s Council on Bioethics.

Abstract

“Controversies in the determination of death”, a White Paper by the former President’s Council on Bioethics, represents a valuable and commendable document that interested readers can access on line. The opinions of experts on the philosophical, ethical and scientific aspects of the determination of death, especially in view of the implication for organ donation, are presented. At the end of the document, a personal statement by Prof. Edmund Pellegrino, who chaired the Council, explains the reasons why, although in general agreement with the Council’s final recommendations, he wants to contribute further to the reflection due to differences on some of the arguments provided. Prof. Pellegrino’s thoughtful insight proves invaluable to a more profound understanding of the mystery of human death, emphasizes the intrinsic limitations of medicine and evokes practical prudence.