Accepting Jahi as legally dead is the most ethical approach to this case, and perhaps the most difficult for the family. Providing continuing care to a patient who is brain dead, as it is defined in the Uniform Determination of Death Act, benefits no one. It impacts other patients who have a chance of recovery and are in need of medical staff, treatment, and resources.

Beyond the accommodation period of life support, continuing care may encourage “folie a famille,” a shared psychosis of the patient’s family. Nailah believes her daughter is only “sleeping.” She has videos of her moving a finger or toe on command, despite doctors dismissing the movements as Lazarus signs.