1,800 names released for thousands of unclaimed bodies sent to Texas medical school

The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth used unclaimed bodies for medical research purposes, with some bodies being embalmed or frozen for future use, while others were dissected and leased out to various organizations. This practice was seen as a cost-effective way to advance medical science. However, the Health Science Center faced backlash after a NBC News investigation revealed that families were not informed about the use of their missing relatives’ bodies, leading to the suspension of the program, firing of officials, and apologies to affected families. Subsequently, more families came forward with similar complaints. To help families find answers, NBC News is publishing a database of over 1,800 individuals whose bodies were donated to the Health Science Center, based on information obtained from county medical examiners. The controversy highlights the ethical issues surrounding the use of unclaimed bodies for research purposes without the consent of families, and raises questions about transparency and consent in the donation of bodies for medical research.

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