What does the government do about dead bodies without a next of kin? Do they cremate them?

Question

And if you know, how many people die annually without a next of kin?

Answer 1

In most cases, unclaimed bodies are sent to medical schools for purposes of teaching and research. After they are no longer needed, they are usually cremated [this is the least costly method of disposing of a dead body in a dignified manner] and interred in a common grave.

Answer 2

Are you talking about civilians or military?

If civilians, the county usually will provide burial or cremation and inter the remains in a "potter's field." The burial or cremation choice is based on the county and their funds, also whether or not the deceased was a murder victim (they may need to disinter later for evidence, and there wouldn't be any if they cremated the person).
If the deceased was military, the VA provides a burial in a National Cemetery with full honors.

Answer 3

If no one claims the body within 72 hours of death, they become a ward of the state, meaning the state can do with them as they see fit. Some are sent to medical schools or to an anatomy board, others are cremated and buried in a common grave, however, most are sent for medical research.

Answer 4

I really don't know how many, but I think they are cremated and placed in pauper's graves. They are disposed of basically without dignity, without love and I think it is extremely tragic.

The all mighty dollar runs our country without any compassion at all.

Answer 5

they bury them in a paupers grave.they do not cremate for obvious reasons.what if some one shows up later and the cost involved

Answer 6

ever heard of spam? and no, i DON'T mean junk email.

boy, nobody here likes to laugh eh?