Reply #11: When you've been deemed brain dead...

[Gwendolyn]

... the responsibility for your body is given to next of kin. They are the ones who decide if you remain on life support or not.(Remember Terri Schiavo?)

Even if you've been in some terrible accident and are in a coma, it's your next of kin who must sign the forms agreeing to medical intervention such as surgery.

It's the same with organ donation. Even if you've indicated that you wish to donate, your next of kin is the one making the decision. That's why every organ donation site makes a huge big deal of discussing the decision with loved ones. That way, in the event of tragedy, their grief won't cause them to over ride your wishes.