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Quoted Text

New technology safe for donated body disposal  
First published: Monday, July 2, 2007

There has been a great deal of publicity over state Sen. Kemp Hannon's proposed legislation to allow for the use of alkaline hydrolysis for the disposal of biologic material. Alkaline hydrolysis is a new technology during which biologic material is hydrolyzed, resulting in a sterile non-infectious solution and bone shadows that families can inter.
  
It is a process regulated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation for the disposal of laboratory animal remains. It is safe, environmentally sound and humane.

The characterization of this bill as "Hannibal Lechter's Bill" is outrageous. Jim Featherstonhaugh, lobbyist for the state Association of Cemeteries, clearly has not contacted the state's 15 medical schools to understand the process by which people donate their own or their loved ones' remains.

New York's medical schools have been using cadavers for educational and research purposes for many years. Each cadaver is treated with the respect and reverence due to individuals who, without thought to themselves, make their bodies gifts to future generations through the advancement of medical education and research.

All of the schools' donor programs are run with integrity: All information about the acquisition and disposal of donated cadavers is provided to the individuals and their families prior to donation; each school has a memorial service overseen by the students and faculty; and each donor family has the option as to how they would like their loved one's remains disposed.

The alkaline hydrolysis process would be fully explained to families, and the choice as to whether they would opt for it, would be theirs.

Once the public understands the process, regulatory requirements and lack of environmental impact with the alkaline hydrolysis process, it will be welcomed as a less costly and humane way to dispose of human remains.

JO WIEDERHORN -- Executive Director -- Associated Medical Schools of Manhattan

  

Good....have at it....

Quoted from JoAnn

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All of the schools' donor programs are run with integrity: All information about the acquisition and disposal of donated cadavers is provided to the individuals and their families prior to donation; each school has a memorial service overseen by the students and faculty; and each donor family has the option as to how they would like their loved one's remains disposed.

A couple of years ago my aunt died and donated her body for research to Albany Med. The above statement is very true. They explained everything to the family and about 1 year later they had a memorial service for her and the others who donated their bodies for research. It was very personal and yet they showed a greata deal of appreciation and respect for the donors.

I do believe that whatever they use or how it is explained to the family on exactly what biological material they use when disposing of the body materials, won't matter or won't really be understood. But I'm sure the explaination would be welcomed anyways just out of respect.