Missouri Valley, Iowa — An Iowa hospital is facing a federal lawsuit alleging medical staff authorized the harvesting of a deceased patient’s organs without first consulting his legal next of kin, according to court filings in U.S. District Court.
The lawsuit was filed against Alegent Health-Community Memorial Hospital, which operates as CHI Health-Missouri Valley. Plaintiffs Christina Gubbels and Daun Stoddard, the biological daughters of the late Martin Gillespie, claim the hospital improperly allowed organ procurement after determining another relative had authority over donation decisions.
According to the lawsuit, Gillespie arrived at the hospital by ambulance on April 1, 2026, and was pronounced dead shortly afterward. The complaint alleges Gillespie had never authorized organ donation or any anatomical gift arrangement during his lifetime.
The lawsuit claims hospital staff identified Gillespie’s aunt as the next of kin despite records allegedly showing he had living biological daughters who held legal priority under Iowa law for decisions involving organ donation. Within hours of the hospital contacting the Iowa Donor Network, Gillespie’s organs, skin tissue, and eyes were reportedly collected.
The plaintiffs allege malpractice, fraud, and negligent infliction of emotional distress and are seeking more than $75,000 in damages. Attorneys for the family argue the hospital failed to follow Iowa’s legal hierarchy governing organ donation consent.
Hospital officials did not publicly respond to requests for comment following the filing of the lawsuit.
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