Texas Medical School Faces Scandal Over Illegal Body Disposal

The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth was found to be illegally using a process called 'water cremation' to liquefy human remains without consent, violating Texas law. This method, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is not permitted in Texas and 25 other states. The practice involved unclaimed bodies used for research, which were then liquefied and disposed of, saving the school significant costs. Following an investigation, the program was halted, and responsible officials were dismissed.