Full Breakdown
USC and UCSD Cadaver Sales to U.S. Navy for Israeli Military Training Spark Ethical Outcry
5/14/2026, 5:32:34 AM
Core Event: Sale of Donated Bodies for Combat Simulations
An investigation by Annenberg Media and the UC San Diego Guardian found that the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) transferred human cadavers—originally donated for medical research—to the U.S. Navy’s Trauma Training Center. The Navy uses the “perfused” cadavers in battlefield trauma simulations, and a portion of the program supplies the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) medical teams. Contracts generating more than $1 million for USC over the past decade were renewed, and the Navy filed a notice to extend the arrangement through 2029.
Background & Context: Donation Programs and Contractual Discretion
Both schools operate body-donation programs (USC’s Anatomical Gift Program and UCSD’s Body Donation Program) that grant the institutions “sole discretion” over the use of remains. The agreements do not explicitly mention military or foreign-government training, allowing the universities to sell the cadavers to the Navy without informing donors or families.
Data & Statistics
- USC earned > $1 million from Navy contracts in the last ten years.
- Between 2024-2025, 36 cadavers were provided under the program; 12 were used by IDF medics.
- The Navy’s current contract with USC is valued at $1 million and slated for extension to 2029.
- The program involves “fresh tissue” cadavers pumped with artificial blood to mimic gunshot wounds and IED blasts.
Official Statements & Responses
USC’s Keck School of Medicine emphasized its mission to uphold the highest standards of medical education and care, asserting that the work proceeds “irrespective of political ideology, social status, or creed.” UCSD, in a letter to donor Wendy Smith, declined to comment on the reporting, stating it would not “respond to factually inaccurate reporting by student reporters who have an agenda.” The Navy has announced its intent to continue the partnership, citing the training’s life-saving value for both U.S. and allied forces.
Criticism & Opposition
Families of donors allege a breach of trust. Brittany Beecher, whose brother’s body was donated to UCSD, said she was “devastated to see that such a vulnerable situation was taken advantage of.” Sarah Penna, whose grandmother’s remains went to USC, called the use a “betrayal.” Miriam Volpin, daughter of 101-year-old Jeanette Volpin, described the revelation as destroying any trust in the institution. USC-affiliated physicians, including Dr. Mohamad Raad, warned that renewing such contracts “even during the genocide” erodes moral legitimacy. Student journalists and AJ+ producers have called for greater transparency and an independent inquiry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was devastated to see that such a vulnerable situation was taken advantage of,” — Brittany Beecher, donor family
- “I certainly don’t think she would be thrilled,” — Sarah Penna, donor family
- “Even during the genocide, even when the Israeli army was bombing schools and hospitals and kidnapping physicians, these contracts were being renewed,” — Dr. Mohamad Raad, USC-affiliated physician
- “The lack of transparency and informed consent for donors and their families is at the heart of this story and something we felt demanded deeper scrutiny,” — Dena Takruri, AJ+ senior presenter
- “Every answer I found was more horrific than what I had imagined,” — Anonymous USC-affiliated physician
What’s Next: Calls for Oversight and Potential Regulation
Donor families and advocacy groups are urging an independent investigation and stricter oversight of body-donation agreements. Legislative proposals to require explicit consent for military use of cadavers have been introduced in California, while the Navy’s contract extension remains pending final approval.
