Colorado might become the second state to legalize human composting and allow human remains to be composted after a person passes away.
Colorado would come alongside Washington state in providing the ability for people to allow their bodies to be turned into soil after they die. The legislative move was attempted by lawmakers last year, but it didn’t get through their session due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by The Denver Post.
The bill would authorize “human remains to be converted to soil using a container that accelerates the process of biological decomposition, also known as ‘natural reduction.'”
Bill SB21-006 would not permit anyone to sell or offer to sell the soil, put together the soil of more than one person without the consent of whomever holds the right of final disposition (unless the soil has been abandoned), or use the soil to grow food for humans to eat. It would also not allow human remains of more than one person to be put in the same container without the consent of whomever holds the right of final disposition.
One of the bill’s sponsors, Democratic State Sen. Robert Rodriguez said, “It’s an innovative idea in a state that prides itself on natural beauty and opportunities.”
Rodriguez was raised Catholic and The Denver Post reported that he said he would not necessarily make the choice to be buried in this way. He said he believes, however, that Coloradans should be able to make the decision for themselves. He and other sponsors of the bill reported that they have received positive feedback from people who are glad to have the option.
According to FOX 31 in Denver, the Catholic Church of Denver said that it was against the process last year and plans to oppose it again.
The Colorado Catholic Conference issued a statement:
“The Catholic Church teaches that human life and the human body are sacred, and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral society. The conversion of human remains to soil does not promote human dignity. The Church’s objection is based on its belief that man is made in God’s image and likeness as a unified compositum of body and soul. While the Church does allow for cremation with limitations, the reduction of human remains into soil is not consistent with the Church’s theology of bodily resurrection and the promotion of human dignity and dominion over the earth.”
In Washington state, there are three places that are licensed to carry out “Natural Organic Reduction.” The process can take many weeks to complete and is currently the only way for Washingtonians to legally be buried on their own land if they so desire.
Walt Patrick is the senior steward at a natural burial cemetery and nonprofit research center in Washington where they perform the process.
“This is simply another option at a time when people feel they have no options,” Patrick said. “You know, death has intervened and changed your life forever. How can you do something at least to make it the way you want?”
The Colorado bill is currently under consideration and has been introduced to the legislature for the 2021 regular session.