Organ harvesting began while patients still showed ‘signs of life,’ federal investigation finds

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The U.S.Department of Health and Human Services has begun the decertification of Network for Hope, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia, following federal reviews that uncovered seriouspatient safetyfailures.

The Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services initiated the decertification action after investigations revealed persistent safety issues, including instances where the organ harvesting process was initiated on patients who still showed active signs of life.

Appearing on America’s Newsroom,Dr.Kennedy Jr.regarding the department’s actions against the nonprofit organization.

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“Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy is bringing to light horror stories about the dark corners of organ harvesting,” Siegel said.

“The department is now pulling the accreditation of Kentucky’s Network for Hope, the main organ procurement organization in the state.”

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during an HHS announcement in Washington, D.C.

HHS Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.affirmed strong support for ethical organ donation, drawing on his family’s personal experience after his nephew saved lives as a donor.(Tierney L.Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Network for Hope’s chief executive officer stated that the organization plans to appeal the federal decision, maintaining that it remains fully compliant with organ procurement and transportation network policies.

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Siegel said he spoke with Secretary Kennedy about the case of TJ Hoover, a prospective donor who reportedly nearly had his organs removed by Network for Hope while still alive.

“Even after those signs of life, Kennedy says theorgan procurementprocess continued until the physician refused to proceed,” the doctor said.

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HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration examined 351 cases at Network for Hope between 2021 and 2024 in which organ donation was authorized but ultimately not completed.

Volunteer donates blood during American Red Cross blood drive at Hollywood's Magic Castle.

Federal investigations revealed multiple instances where organ harvesting procedures were initiated on patients who still showed active neurological function and signs of life.(Getty Images)

The review identified 103 cases with concerning features, including 73 patients with what HHS described as “neurological signs incompatible with organ donation.”

“HHS says it uncovered 73 separate instances where the process of harvesting an organ should have been stopped sooner,” Siegel said.“The investigation revealed that the nonprofit pressured medical personnel to proceed despite patients showing active signs of live and neurological function.”

According to federal officials, investigators found evidence of inadequate neurological assessments, poor coordination withhospital care teams, questionable consent practices and improper classification of causes of death.

“Thirty percent of the procedures that they were performing had something wrong with them,” Siegel added.“If there’s a bad organization that’s willing to do things that are unethical, they’re going to get away with things at any place where they operate.”

Surgeons performing organ transplant surgery in an operating room.

Network for Hope’s chief executive officer announced plans to appeal the federal decision, maintaining that the organization complies with all procurement safety policies.(iStock)

Despite the agency’s findings, Siegel noted that Kennedy remains supportive of organ donation when conducted under proper standards, pointing to personal experience with his own family.

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“Kennedy says he strongly supports organ donation when it’s done ethically and properly,” Siegel said.“His own nephew, Michael Hines, saved multiple lives by donating his organs after his death at age 20.”

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