A Suffolk Superior Court judge recently dismissed a family lawsuit against Harvard University related to a human body parts trafficking ring connected to its medical school morgue. The lawsuit, which combined 12 separate lawsuits, was filed on behalf of relatives of individuals who donated their bodies to the Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gifts program.
The judge dismissed the claims against Harvard University and the managers of the Anatomical Gifts Program, citing that the factual allegations do not suggest that the defendants failed to act in good faith. The suits also targeted Cedric Lodge, the former morgue manager accused of involvement in the trafficking ring. Complaints can still stand against Lodge and non-Harvard Medical School-related defendants.
Despite the dismissal, the chief plaintiff lawyer has promised to appeal the decision, stating that the families deserve a day in court. Harvard Medical School has not commented on the ruling, citing pending litigation and a criminal suit against Lodge and others.
Justice Singer emphasized that Harvard has protections under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act and cannot be held vicariously liable for Lodge’s alleged misconduct. The allegations against Lodge and others in the trafficking ring were disclosed last year, with prosecutors claiming a nationwide network of individuals involved in the illegal trade of human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School.
The case has brought attention to the importance of oversight and regulation in the handling of anatomical donations, with the families of the donors seeking justice and accountability for the violation of their loved ones’ remains.
Source
Photo credit www.bostonherald.com