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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA measure that would legalize the chemical disposal of human bodies has passed an Indiana House committee, but a similar measure has died in an Indiana Senate committee.
The bill passed the Committee of Public Health 11-1 on Wednesday. However, its companion measure was killed by the Indiana Senate's Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law on Tuesday when a motion to advance the bill wasn't seconded.
The legislation would require the State Board of Funeral and Cemetery Service to adopt rules for alkaline hydrolysis. The alternative to traditional cremation has human remains put in a strong alkaline solution that dissolves body tissue. Remaining bones are ground and returned to family, similar to ashes.
The process is legal in 11 states.
Proponents of the process say it's more environmentally friendly. Opponents include religious groups that have concerns about whether the process respects the dignity of the dead.
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