Screenshot of the University of North Texas Health Science Center official website
After suspending the body donation program earlier this year due to incidents of illegal body collection. University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) is embroiled in a new medical controversy.
Recently, medical schools in Texas were forced to eliminate practices that use alkaline hydrolysis, known as water cremation. This is how bodies are disposed of after training and research.
According to NBC Newsthe Texas Funeral Board inspected the facility and claimed the practice violated state law. Although water cremation is an environmentally friendly alternative to regular cremation, it remains illegal in Texas. Although not uncommon in more than 25 states, Texas law only allows burial or cremation to dispose of remains.
This type of cremation uses water, chemicals, and heat to dissolve the body. It also leaves behind some liquid that can be drained and the ashes returned to the family.
UNTHSC’s response to illegal water cremation
Unfortunately, adding to UNTHSC’s dilemma, the families who donate bodies to the program were unaware of this method, raising ethical concerns. of daily mail Although cremation was promised in the consent form, many people said they were shocked to learn about water cremation, especially given the religious and cultural influences.
Records show the center has adopted water cremation to cut costs and expects to save $1 million over five years. Critics say it undermines respect for the dead, and religious groups such as the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops oppose legalizing the method, saying it violates human dignity.
Looking forward, the controversy will call for tighter checks on Texas’ body donation program. Regulators are now calling for increased oversight to ensure proper disposal of remains and respect the wishes of donors and families. The group has already been issued a cease and desist letter, threatening fines and license revocation if the university does not comply within 14 days.
