Two Texas congressmen that were "shocked" to learn that a Texas University was using unclaimed dead bodies for research without consent from the individuals or their next of kin are now looking for answers.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Marc Veasey submitted a letter to medical examiners in Dallas and Tarrant counties, which they both represent parts of, asking for answers after an NBC News investigation revealed that the University of North Texas Health Science Center received hundreds of bodies from the counties without consent.
As veterans are entitled to federal benefits for military funerals, Crockett and Veasey said they were "shocked" that several were among the unclaimed bodies, as reported by NBC News.
The two noted that death investigators are required by state law to file affidavits that state that a "diligent effort" has been made to contact the family after NBC News reporters found that family members were never contacted despite being able to be reached.
Tarrant County has since adopted a new policy requiring more thorough efforts to find someone's next of kin before their body can be donated, and the Health Science Center has since suspended its program and is conducting an investigation through a consulting firm.
However, Crockett and Veasey wrote, "While we welcome these changes, they do not erase the pain and grief thousands of families are feeling as a result of the failures detailed in the investigation by NBC, nor do they ensure that proper safeguards are now in place to prevent the unapproved cremation of individuals or veterans."
Texas Sen. Tan Parker told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that he plans to "introduce legislation that will specifically ban the use of unclaimed bodies for medical research." Parker said that the use of the bodies without consent has "undermined public trust" and violates Texans' "respect for life."
"A law banning medical research on unclaimed bodies will bring Texas in line with modern ethical standards and reflect the compassion and respect that every human being deserves," Parker told the Star-Telegram.
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