The breakthrough changing how Americans donate organs

Instead of death being declared because the brain has stopped functioning, in DCD, death is declared after circulation ceases and the heart stops beating. | Miguel Porlan for Vox This story was originally published in The Highlight. To get access to member-exclusive stories like this every month, become a Vox Member today. Emily Hoffman was walking home from lunch in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Squirrel Hill in February 2023, when a driver turning left struck her on the crosswalk. Hoffman…