New Law Gives Say Back To Loved Ones Of Those That Have Died

Rep. Carolyn Laine - DFL and Supporters of "Gary's Bill"
April 7, 2010
State Capitol - By Marty Owings

As readers may or may not know, in Minnesota it’s always been the funeral industry that controls what happens to people after their death. They control everything from transportation, display and embalming and they have an obvious vested interest in keeping that control. However, they weren't able to defeat a bill allows individuals to control what happens to their loved one's body after death.

A bill passed yesterday in the House of Representatives gives those rights back to next-of-kin. The bill allows people to obtain permission to remove the body of a loved one from the place of death. It also modifies the rules for how the departed are transported and prepared for public viewing. It no longer requires immediate embalming; dry ice can now be used for preservation.

This bill had widespread support based in no small part on the testimony of Heather Halen whose husband Gary was brought home after his death. Halen gave testimony on how much it meant to her, her family and friends to gather at their home for their final goodbye’s to Gary. She was on the House floor when the bill was passed and tears filled her eyes as she thanked Law Makers for supporting the measure.