The US health department is taking steps to shut down Network for Hope, an organ procurement organisation accused of trying to take organs from a living man in 2021. The organisation serves Kentucky and parts of Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia.

Health officials said two federal investigations found ‘persistent patient safety failures’, despite extensive oversight. Critics argue that the incidents raise serious ethical questions about the boundaries between life and death.

The scrutiny comes as organ donations from patients with circulatory deaths are on the rise. These cases often involve complex decisions about withdrawing life support, making the line between donation and harvesting even more blurred.

Network for Hope has disputed the allegations, claiming they will appeal against the decision. The organisation now faces a critical test to prove its integrity and safety standards in handling donor cases.