Harvesting organs from dead Alabama inmates without family consent could soon be illegal

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) - A bill in the Alabama Legislature is trying to ensure dead inmates return to their families in one piece.

Rep. Chris England (D- Tuscaloosa) introduced HB200 after a series of families claimed their relatives who died in Alabama Department of Corrections custody were returned home with missing organs.

According to the bill, the retention of a deceased person’s organs without the notification and consent of the next of kin would be a Class C Felony.

One family claimed their relative Brandon Dotson, was returned after autopsy missing his heart. Another family said their loved one was missing all internal organs, including his brain.

The House Judiciary Committee passed the bill Wednesday and is headed to the House.

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