Birmingham, Alabama, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Families of deceased inmates in Alabama have filed claims against the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Alabama Department of Corrections for allegedly harvesting and retaining organs without proper authorization. Legal representatives argue this practice violates ethical standards and state laws, while UAB defends its actions as compliant with legal frameworks. This controversy has raised concerns about informed consent and the treatment of remains. As the case unfolds, proposed legislation aims to strengthen regulations regarding organ retention and the responsibilities of medical examiners.
Birmingham, Alabama – Families of Deceased Inmates Allege Illegal Organ Harvesting
Families of deceased inmates have emerged to claim that the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) illegally harvested and retained organs following autopsies. During a recent court hearing, the family’s attorneys argued that the retention of the organs was unauthorized and violated legal and ethical standards.
The contention centers around a contract between UAB and ADOC, which UAB attorneys maintain is legitimate and permits the retention of organs for medical testing. However, as the families’ representatives point out, the practice raises serious questions pertaining to state law and the ethical treatment of deceased individuals, especially regarding informed consent from next of kin.
Several sensitive discussions unfolded at the hearing, drawing comparisons to historical instances of illegal organ harvesting, specifically referencing Nazi Germany. Family attorney Michael Strickland indicated that retaining organs without authorization is illegal, and further compared the actions to a funeral home harvesting skin for tattoos, stating it mirrored conduct reminiscent of atrocities committed against human rights.
UAB’s defense claims the retention of organs is sanctioned under Alabama law, as long as the organs are used for lawful purposes like testing. Nonetheless, critics within the deceased families’ legal teams assert that the UAB’s actions have profit motives, and allege that the institution has benefitted financially from autopsies, receiving approximately $2,200 for each procedure performed since a contract initiated in 2006.
The families involved in the lawsuit include relatives of deceased inmates: Arthur Olen Stapler, Jim William Kennedy, Anthony Perez Brackins, Kelvin Lamar Moore, Charles Singleton, Alice McIntire, and Barry Culver. They raised alarms when several were informed that the remains of their loved ones were returned in a condition they deemed disrespectful, significantly after complaints arose around the oversight of organ retention practices by both UAB and ADOC.
As the court prepares to review both parties’ written arguments in the coming weeks, the case continues to prompt broader concerns regarding UAB’s practices after the contract was dissolved amidst the lawsuits. Addressing the need for stricter regulations, new legislative proposals in Alabama aim to impose penalties on medical examiners who retain organs without notifying next of kin.
Responding to these developments, attorneys representing the families have voiced their outrage, emphasizing the emotional and psychological trauma incurred by the families as a result of the perceived mishandling of their loved ones’ remains. Specific accounts from families include experiences such as receiving sealed bags containing what were purported as organs of deceased relatives, which raised further suspicions regarding procedural integrity and compliance with legal mandates.
The court session concludes with ongoing inquiries into the broader operational practices and ethical considerations employed by both ADOC and UAB regarding organ retention from deceased inmates, focusing on the importance of consent and proper handling of human remains.
FAQ Section
What are the main allegations against UAB and ADOC?
The primary allegation is that both UAB and ADOC illegally retained and harvested organs from deceased inmates without proper authorization or consent from their relatives.
What defense does UAB present regarding the organ retention?
UAB asserts that their contract with ADOC is legal and allows for the retention of organs for testing, claiming compliance with Alabama law.
What actions have been proposed in response to these allegations?
New legislation is being proposed in Alabama that would create penalties for medical examiners who retain organs without informing the next of kin.
How are the families affected by the organ retention issue?
Families have expressed emotional trauma and outrage over the treatment of their loved ones’ remains, feeling that they were denied dignity and respect in death.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegations | Illegal harvesting and retention of organs from deceased inmates. |
| Legal Defense | UAB claims retention allowed under law and contract with ADOC. |
| Family Impact | Families report emotional trauma and indignities surrounding remains. |
| Legislation | New laws proposed to penalize illegal organ retention practices. |
| Historical Comparisons | Comparisons made to Nazi-era organ harvesting practices. |
| Financial Concerns | UAB reportedly profits from autopsies, raising ethical concerns. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AL.com: UAB Defends Prison Autopsy Deal
- Alabama Reflector: Families Fight Against Alabama Corrections
- Catholic News Agency: HHS Investigation on Organ Transplant System
- Wikipedia: Organ Harvesting
- HuffPost: Alabama Officials Organ Harvesting Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
