support said that there was a problem with the application of the law to a patient that was no longer alive. On January 24, 2014, Judge R. H. Wallace Jr. ruled that the hospital must disconnect Muñoz's organ support by January 27. The judge did not rule on the constitutionality of the state law but instead found that the law did not apply to deceased patients like Muñoz. Numerous states have adopted laws restricting the ability of doctors to end artificial life support for terminally ill pregnant patients. Twelve of those states (including Texas) have the most restrictive of such laws, which automatically invalidate a woman's advance directive if she is pregnant. Such laws state that, regardless of the progression of the pregnancy, a woman must remain on life-sustaining treatment until she gives birth. Marlise Muñoz was disconnected from organ support at 11:30 AM on January 26, 2014. All remaining respiratory function ceased immediately and all cardiac function ended a few minutes later. Her body was released to her family. Erick Muñoz decided to name the fetus Nicole, his wife's middle name. See also Death of Savita Halappanavar Jahi McMath case Maternal somatic support after brain death References External links Texas Advance Directives Act. Sec. 166.049 and Sec. 166.098 cover pregnant patients. 2013 deaths 2014 in Texas Anti-abortion movement Deaths by person in Texas Medical controversies in the United States People with severe brain damage