The case of a Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for selling human remains has highlighted the need for stronger body donation regulations, experts say.
Currently, there are no federal laws governing the donation of human remains for medical purposes. This leads to varying rules and regulations across states, without any central oversight.
As a result, there have been cases of body parts being stolen or mishandled. In 2014, a Florida company was accused of selling body parts from donated cadavers. In 2017, a California man was arrested for stealing human remains from a funeral home.
The Harvard case has sparked demands for stricter body donation regulations. The Anatomical Gift Association emphasized the need for robust oversight in such programs. The association urged the government to form a national registry of body donation organizations. They also demanded the establishment of minimum standards for human remains’ handling.
“We need to ensure that the remains of those who donate their bodies are treated with respect and dignity,” the association said.
In addition to federal regulations, experts also emphasize the need for stronger state laws. Many states lack specific legislation on selling human remains, allowing unscrupulous individuals to profit from body part sales.
“We need to close the loopholes in state laws so that people who steal and sell human remains can be prosecuted,” said Michael Green, a professor of law at the University of Minnesota.
The Harvard case highlights the seriousness of donating human remains. Respect and dignity should be maintained for body donors. Implementing stricter regulations would safeguard this principle.
