March 11, 2025 – National class action law firm Sauder Schelkopf is at the forefront of a legal battle against Harvard Medical School (HMS) following allegations that donated human remains were misused and sold by former morgue manager Cedric Lodge. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of affected families, seeks accountability for HMS’s alleged negligence in overseeing its Anatomical Gift Program.
In a recent legal development, Lodge’s defense team filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges, arguing that human remains do not qualify as goods under federal law and, therefore, their sale cannot be prosecuted. The motion also asserts that body parts lack compensable value, challenging key aspects of the case.
This follows a 2024 ruling in which a Massachusetts court dismissed a previous class action against Harvard, citing institutional immunity under the Universal Anatomical Gift Act. However, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is now reviewing this immunity claim, with justices raising concerns that shielding Harvard entirely could have serious legal and ethical implications.
Sauder Schelkopf remains dedicated to fighting for the rights of impacted families, emphasizing the need for institutional oversight and accountability in handling anatomical donations.
For more information, contact Sauder Schelkopf at (888) 711-9975.
Read about the case here