No. Cannibalism itself is not explicitly criminalized in Pennsylvania, but related acts—such as murder, desecration of human remains, or endangerment—are strictly prohibited under state and local statutes. The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Office of the Attorney General enforce regulations on corpse handling, while municipal ordinances in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh impose additional oversight on anatomical practices. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to clarify ambiguities in corpse utilization laws, reflecting growing scrutiny of bioethical boundaries.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Pennsylvania
- 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3121 (Homicide): Prohibits murder, including killings motivated by consumption or ritualistic purposes, with penalties ranging from life imprisonment to capital punishment.
- 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5510 (Abuse of Corpse): Criminalizes the mutilation, dismemberment, or unauthorized use of human remains, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
- Pennsylvania Department of Health Regulations (22 Pa. Code § 51b): Requires licensed facilities to report any non-medical anatomical procedures, including those involving consumption, under the 2026 Bioethics Compliance Act. Violations trigger immediate suspension of operating permits.