FBI looking into cases where decedents donated their bodies to science.

After a series of odd reports concerning illegal trafficking, the FBI has begun investigating families of decedents who left their bodies to science.

In one particular case in Illinois:

• Linda Hayes and Cathy Senderak were raided and investigated by the FBI.
• Both Linda’s husband, Tom, and Cathy’s husband, Joe, wanted to donate their bodies to science, so that doctors could hopefully help someone else.
• Biological Research Center of Illinois was the place they picked.
• But after hearing what the FBI agents had to say, the women are angry and concerned the bodies of their husbands did not actually go to research.
• According to statements by the FBI: this is part of a federal investigation into the trafficking of human body parts. Agents had allegedly found body parts in the homes of two former employees of Biological Research Center of Illinois.  The parts were on ice and may have been distributed on the black market.
• You can read more on this story here.

Luckily, there have been no allegations that any of this unlawful activity is happening in Florida.  In fact, Florida legislation encourages people to donate their bodies to science.  In Section 765.514 of the Florida Statutes, the Florida Legislature explains the many ways in which this is possible.  One of which being the gifting of your body in your will.  West Palm Beach probate attorneys see this every day.  It can be a noble cause to donate your body to help further medical research.  Make sure that you have the proper documents prepared if this is something that you would like to arrange.

See http://www.pankauskilawfirm.com/ for videos and information on Wills in Florida, Florida Trust Law, Estate Planning, and Estate Administration in Florida.