In West Virginia, what must be done with unclaimed deceased persons' remains?

In West Virginia, the proper legal procedure requires that unclaimed deceased persons' remains must be buried or cremated according to state law. This regulation is in place to ensure that individuals who pass away without identifiable relatives or any claimants receive a dignified and respectful disposition of their remains. By establishing a formal procedure for handling unclaimed remains, the state upholds the ethical responsibilities of care and respect for the deceased, preventing potential public health issues and addressing the moral obligation to treat all individuals, regardless of their circumstances at death, with dignity.

This approach contributes to public health and safety, as it helps to manage remains in a manner that avoids any negative impact on the community. It is a legal and humane solution that reflects societal values regarding the treatment of the deceased. Other choices do not align with these ethical and legal standards; for example, discarding remains without proper procedures fails to honor the deceased's dignity, and options such as preservation for study or indefinite storage do not meet state regulations governing the treatment of such cases.