It is no longer legal for unclaimed bodies to be released to medical schools without the consent of the deceased’s spouse or next of kin. Today, NY State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Unclaimed Bodies bill, which was sponsored by Senator Simcha Felder and Assemblyman Mike Simanowitz.

“After numerous cases of unclaimed bodies being delivered to medical schools for uses that may have been in stark contrast with the religious or personal wishes of next of kin, this law now makes it illegal to show such disrespect to the deceased,” said Senator Felder. “My colleague Assemblyman Simanowitz and I were both aware of heart-breaking cases that pained families and we feared that these scenarios would repeat. Now, these worries come to an end. I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for signing our bill into law.”

Senator Felder recognized Dr. Barbara Sampson, the Chief Medical Examiner, New York City, as well as Simcha Eichenstein from Mayor de Blasio’s Office of State Legislative Affairs, for their efforts on behalf of the bill.

(YWN Desk – NYC)