Body Donation Program Under Investigation

Authorities are investigating programs in at least three states that accumulate bodies donated for scientific research, medical training and other purposes. 

A Detroit FBI official confirmed that the bureau is looking at an Oregon research center, and investigators have stormed facilities in Michigan and Arizona.  Aside from confirming the existence of an investigation, authorities have been secretive regarding what they are examining and why. 

In February, Michigan suspended the mortuary license of Arthur Rathbum, alleging that he embalmed bodies at a Detroit address that does not have a funeral home license. 

Authorities subpoenaed records from Portland, Oregon-based Legacy Health, a hospital chain that also operates Legacy Research Institute in Portland.  The institute uses cadavers for research and to train doctors and nurses for surgery.  FBI officials will say little about their investigations.

See Associated Press, Feds Investigating Body Donation Programs in Three States, Fox News, Sept. 11, 2014.