Why Is Aquamation Illegal

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:22:34 +0000

**Why Is Aquamation Illegal? Understanding the Debate in the United States** Why Is Aquamation Illegal? It’s a question sparking growing conversation across the U.S. as more communities face decisions around this advanced burial alternative. Unlike traditional cremation or burial, aquamation—also known as alkaline hydrolysis—uses water and alkali to gently break down a body, offering a less resource-intensive option. Yet despite its environmental benefits, legal restrictions persist in many states. Understanding why aquamation remains legally constrained reveals a complex intersection of regulation, cultural values, and emerging sustainability goals. **Why Is Aquamation Illegal? Legal and Policy Hurdles** Regulation around aquamation varies significantly across the U.S. While five states and Washington, D.C., allow the process in some form, others maintain bans or strong restrictions. These legal gaps stem primarily from outdated funeral laws originally designed for combustion-based cremation or burial. Policymakers have been slow to adapt regulations to new technologies, especially where human remains are involved. Concerns about oversight, standardization, and public perception fuel delays in expanding authorization—keeping aquamation illegal in much of the country despite growing demand.