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A Houston drowning tests whether Texas law gives the right to deny brain death testing
Texas Tribune – Health · By Katlyn Ma · June 22, 2026
In plain language
The parents of a toddler at Texas Children’s Hospital are suing to stop doctors from performing brain death testing after a drowning incident. While Texas law allows hospitals to end life support once brain death is confirmed, this family argues they should have the right to refuse the initial testing to allow more time for recovery. This legal battle highlights an ongoing debate in Texas regarding religious beliefs, parental rights, and the medical definitions of life and death.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Texas law defines brain death as the irreversible ending of all brain function.
- Hospitals currently do not require parental permission to conduct brain death testing.
- The family seeks to block testing to pursue alternative treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Legal experts warn that ending brain death diagnoses could strain hospital resources and limit organ donations.
- Some Texas lawmakers are considering new legislation to give families more power to contest brain death testing.
- Texas law recently increased the notice period hospitals must give families before withdrawing life support to 25 days.
Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston on June 21, 2026. " data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.texastribune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/20260621-Texas-Childrens-Hospital-MF-18.jpg?fit=780%2C520&ssl=1" /> State leaders and pro-life groups are siding with 2-year-old Annelise Camp’s family, who are suing to stop Texas Children’s Hospital from testing her for brain death. The post A Houston drowning tests whether Texas law gives the right to deny brain death testing appeared first on The Texas Tribune.
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