Harvard University Reaches $53 Million Settlement Over Illicit Sale of Donated Human Remains
Harvard University has agreed to pay $53 million to settle a lawsuit concerning the illicit sale of donated human corpses and body parts, including heads, faces, brains, skin, and hands, which were allegedly sold on the black market.
New York, NY, August 19, 2026 —
Harvard University has agreed to a $53 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit that alleged the illicit sale of donated human corpses and body parts. The lawsuit centered on accusations that remains, including heads, faces, brains, skin, and hands, were sold on the black market.
The terms of the settlement were announced recently, bringing to a close a legal dispute that has cast a shadow over the university’s anatomical donation program. Details regarding the specific entities or individuals involved in the alleged black market sales were not fully detailed in the available information.
The lawsuit reportedly involved claims that the donated remains were mishandled and subsequently trafficked. The university has not released a detailed statement regarding the allegations beyond confirming the settlement agreement.
The financial settlement aims to address the grievances and damages claimed by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The exact distribution of the settlement funds among the plaintiffs has not been disclosed. The case has raised significant ethical questions regarding the handling and security of donated human remains within academic and medical institutions.
Further details regarding the investigation into the alleged illicit sales and any internal review processes at Harvard University were not immediately available. The university’s response to the settlement focuses on the resolution of the legal matter.
Story summarized from the original created by Chris Nesi on nypost.com, see more information here.