Human remains for sale

The sale of human remains is a complex and sensitive topic, with various legal and ethical considerations. Here are the key points based on the provided search results:

### Legality of Selling Human Remains
– **Federal Law**: There is no federal law prohibiting the sale of human remains in the United States. However, the legality varies significantly by state. Only eight states explicitly ban the sale of human remains: Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia[3].

– **State Regulations**: In many states, selling human remains is illegal only under specific circumstances, such as selling remains that were unlawfully obtained or those donated for medical purposes.

– **Online Sales**: While platforms like Etsy and eBay have banned the sale of human remains, transactions are increasingly occurring on social media and through specialized retailers[3].

### Sources for Human Remains
1. **The Copper Hammer**: Offers a variety of real human skulls, skeletons, and bones for sale, including specific specimens like fetal skulls and articulated spines. They specialize in osteological specimens and oddities[4].

2. **The Cabinet of Curiosities**: Sells antique medical specimens, including human bones and skeletons. All items are legally owned in the UK, but there are restrictions on their display without a license. They emphasize ethical sourcing and respectful treatment of human remains[5].

3. **Skeletons and Skulls Superstore**: Although this source focuses more on replicas, they may also have real specimens available. They provide educational materials related to human anatomy and osteology[1].

### Ethical Considerations
– The sale and ownership of human remains raise significant ethical questions. Many sellers emphasize the need for respectful treatment and handling of human bones, and there is a strong demand for real bones in medical and educational settings due to their authenticity compared to replicas[5].

In summary, while it is possible to purchase human remains legally in certain contexts, potential buyers should be aware of the legal restrictions in their state and the ethical implications of such purchases.

What are the most common Reasons People buy human remains

People buy human remains for various reasons, often related to education, research, and personal interests. Here are the most common motivations based on the search results:

### 1. **Educational Purposes**
– **Medical and Dental Training**: Real human bones and skeletons are used by medical students, dental students, and professionals for anatomical study and training. The authenticity of real bones provides a more accurate learning experience compared to models or replicas [3].
– **Forensic Science**: Human remains are utilized in forensic training for police and search and rescue services, helping trainees understand human anatomy and the identification of remains [3].

### 2. **Art and Curiosity**
– **Curiosity Cabinets**: Collectors often purchase human bones and skulls to display in curiosity cabinets or as part of personal collections. These items serve as conversation starters and unique decorative pieces [4].
– **Artistic Display**: Some buyers appreciate the aesthetic value of human remains, using them in artistic installations or as part of creative projects [4].

### 3. **Research**
– **Anthropological Studies**: Researchers in anthropology and archaeology may acquire human remains for study, helping to understand human history, evolution, and cultural practices [3].
– **Medical Research**: Real human bones are sometimes used in medical research to study diseases, bone structure, and other health-related topics [3].

### 4. **Historical Interest**
– **Antique Medical Specimens**: Some individuals are drawn to the historical significance of antique human remains, which can provide insights into past medical practices and societal views on death and anatomy [3].

### 5. **Personal Connection**
– **Memorialization**: In some cases, individuals may seek human remains for personal reasons, such as memorializing a loved one or exploring family history [3].

These motivations reflect a blend of educational, artistic, and personal interests, highlighting the diverse reasons people may seek to acquire human remains.