Discovery Of Thousands Of Stored Fetal Remains In Los Angeles

On February 4, 1982, authorities in Los Angeles County discovered thousands of preserved human fetuses inside a repossessed storage container connected to a defunct pathology laboratory.

The container was located at the Woodland Hills residence of Malvin Weisberg, owner of Medical Analytic Laboratories in Santa Monica. A storage company opened the container after unpaid storage fees led to repossession.

Investigators initially reported hundreds of fetal specimens preserved in containers of formaldehyde. Further examination increased the estimated number to 16,431 fetal remains, with additional specimens found inside the laboratory owner's garage.

Records indicated that hospitals, clinics, and physicians had sent the specimens to the laboratory for pathological examination following legal abortion procedures. Under California law at the time, fetal remains were required to be buried or cremated within a reasonable period after examination.

Authorities determined that the laboratory had retained the remains for several years without completing the legally required disposal process. Officials indicated that the delay appeared connected to the laboratory's financial failure and closure.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney reviewed the remains to determine whether any cases exceeded California's legal gestational limits. Approximately 193 specimens were identified for additional review under the law in effect at the time.

No criminal charges were filed following the investigation. Legal proceedings concerning the handling and final disposition of the remains continued for several years.

In October 1985, after court rulings resolved the legal disputes, the remains were placed into six burial containers and interred at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.