No, cannibalism is not explicitly legal in Oregon, but state law criminalizes specific acts under existing statutes rather than addressing the act directly.
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 163.118 prohibits “aggravated murder,” which includes circumstances where the victim is killed for purposes of consumption or ritualistic acts. Additionally, ORS 163.205 criminalizes “manslaughter” if the act involves reckless endangerment, including consumption of human flesh. Local health departments, per Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines, classify such acts as public health violations under ORS 431A.010, mandating immediate quarantine and investigation. No 2026 legislative shifts have altered this framework, though Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Management has flagged potential gaps in enforcement for non-lethal consumption scenarios.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Oregon
- Aggravated Murder Prohibition (ORS 163.118): Any killing where the purpose includes consumption or ritualistic use of human flesh constitutes aggravated murder, punishable by life imprisonment without parole.
- Manslaughter Liability (ORS 163.205): Non-lethal consumption or distribution of human remains may trigger manslaughter charges if reckless endangerment to public health is demonstrated.
- Public Health Violations (ORS 431A.010): The Oregon Health Authority may impose civil penalties or mandatory quarantines for individuals involved in the preparation or ingestion of human tissue, regardless of consent.