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Stopping the Unlawful Dissolving of Bodies: Texas Medical School's Surprise Order

Fort Worth, USAFriday, November 15, 2024

Texas regulators have suddenly halted a medical school's practice of dissolving bodies after using them for training. The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth was found to be using a process called alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation. This method is considered eco-friendly but is illegal in Texas. The school claims it's allowed under state administrative code, but regulators disagree.

The process leaves a fine powder, similar to ashes, which could mislead families into thinking their loved ones were traditionally cremated. The school stopped the practice after an NBC News investigation revealed the use of hundreds of unclaimed bodies without consent. Bioethicists and religious groups have expressed concerns about the dignity and respect of the deceased.

nbc news texas health science center fort worth north

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