“Burial Only” . . .”Cremation Only”
Some funeral homes are wisely expanding their offerings to suit an increasingly choosy public. A certain segment, though, wants to have its cake and eat it too. These mortuaries offer choice in only one direction: up (in price). Read more
A Stroll Down Mortuary Lane
by Nancy Herin, FCA of Maryland and Environs . This article is taken from her Winter 2005 Newsletter .
I am inviting you for a stroll down Maryland’s Mortuary Lane to see for yourself the extent of industry compliance with the 20-year-old Funeral Rule. Read more
Funeral Consumers Alliance a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation celebrating 41 years of protecting a consumer’s right to choose a meaningful, dignified, and affordable funeral
January 4, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Joshua Slocum, Executive Director Tel. Read more
Veterans Beware!
This misleading sales tactic keeps popping up. Just in time for Veterans Day, several cemeteries in the Kansas City, Missouri, area are advertising “Veterans Specials” in the local newspaper. Offering a “free burial certificate” and “free casket info,” these ads are full of the stars and stripes and patriotic images. Read more
Two-for-One Special from Dignity Memorial (nee Service Corporation International)
UPDATE 10/25/04 — We love to hear happy endings! Mrs. B writes to us, “Funeral Consumers Alliance to the rescue! I sent [FCA] all the things I had, contracts, etc., Read more
One of the most common complaints FCA receives regarding prepaid funerals is that the customer picked out and paid for a specific casket, while the family is told (at the time of death) that “this casket is no longer available . . .you’ll have to pick out another one.” Read more
UPDATE 4/15/04
We received word this week that the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws will likely form a committee to draft revisions to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. While we don’t yet know what revisions might be proposed, we’re hopeful the NCCUSL will amend the UAGA to clearly prohibit the profiteering in donated bodies and tissue, and to strengthen informed consent requirements. Read more
