Fact Check: Embalmers finding fibrous clothing in blood

Embalmers Finding Fibrous Clothing in Blood: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that embalmers are finding "fibrous clothing" in the blood of deceased individuals has emerged in various discussions, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and vaccine-related narratives. This assertion has gained traction through anecdotal reports and viral videos, leading to significant public interest and concern. However, the veracity of this claim is highly contested, with numerous sources providing differing perspectives on the matter.

What We Know

1. Anecdotal Reports from Embalmers: Some embalmers have reported observing unusual blood clots in corpses, which they attribute to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in some cases, to the vaccines. A survey indicated that over 70% of embalmers claimed to have found strange fibrous clots in bodies, which they did not encounter before the pandemic began 79.

2. Scientific Scrutiny: The National Funeral Directors Association has stated that there is no clear evidence linking these observations to COVID-19 vaccines. They emphasize the need for rigorous scientific investigation into these claims 3.

3. Documentary Influence: The documentary "Died Suddenly," which promotes the idea that vaccines are causing these clots, has been criticized for its lack of scientific rigor and reliance on anecdotal evidence. Critics argue that it perpetuates misinformation about vaccines 24.

4. Research Findings: A study conducted by Thomas Havland reported a high prevalence of fibrous clots in embalmers' corpses, but the methodology and peer review status of this research remain unclear. The findings were reportedly sent to the FDA, but there has been no public response from the agency 6.

5. Fact-Checking Responses: Various fact-checking organizations have addressed the claims made by embalmers, generally concluding that there is insufficient evidence to support a direct link between these clots and COVID-19 vaccines. For instance, a fact-check by AFP noted that the claims lack scientific backing and are often based on anecdotal evidence 8.

Analysis

The claims surrounding the discovery of fibrous clots by embalmers are rooted in a mix of anecdotal evidence and emerging research, but they are fraught with challenges regarding reliability and interpretation.

• Source Reliability: The sources reporting these claims range from anecdotal accounts in viral videos to more structured surveys. While the survey conducted by Havland appears to provide quantitative data, the lack of peer review raises questions about its validity and the potential for bias in the sample selection 6. Additionally, the documentary "Died Suddenly" has been criticized for promoting a narrative that aligns with anti-vaccine sentiments, which may introduce bias into the claims presented 4.

• Conflicts of Interest: Some of the sources promoting these claims, particularly those associated with the anti-vaccine movement, may have inherent biases that affect their credibility. The framing of the narrative often suggests a direct causation between vaccines and the observed phenomena without substantial scientific evidence to support such claims 24.

• Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind the surveys and studies reporting these findings is crucial for assessing their reliability. For example, a survey that does not adequately control for variables or lacks a representative sample could lead to skewed results. Furthermore, the absence of peer-reviewed research limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the observed phenomena 67.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that embalmers are finding "fibrous clothing" in the blood of deceased individuals lacks credible scientific support. Key evidence includes the National Funeral Directors Association's assertion that there is no established link between these observations and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the critical evaluations from various fact-checking organizations that highlight the reliance on anecdotal evidence and the absence of rigorous scientific investigation.

While some embalmers have reported unusual findings, the anecdotal nature of these claims, combined with methodological concerns surrounding the surveys and studies cited, raises significant doubts about their validity. Furthermore, the influence of biased narratives, particularly from anti-vaccine sources, complicates the interpretation of these claims.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence; while there are reports of unusual clots, the lack of peer-reviewed research and the potential for bias in the sources reporting these findings mean that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and seek out reliable sources when assessing claims related to health and science.

Sources

1. Fact Check: Viral video promotes baseless vaccine ... Reuters
2. A clot too far: An embalmer dissects antivax misinformation about blood ... Science-Based Medicine
3. What explains blood clots that embalmers are noticing? Politifact
4. The Anti-Vaccine Documentary Died Suddenly Wants You ... McGill University
5. Fact checking the fact checkers of the documentary 'Died Suddenly' Crossroads Report
6. Latest Research Findings on Embalmers Strange Clots McMillan Research
7. Exclusive: 70% of embalmers report finding strange blood clots ... Final Call
8. False claims linking 'white clots' to mRNA vaccines ... AFP Fact Check
9. Cremations on the rise, but embalmers in new survey reported strange ... World Tribune
10. COVID-19 and Blood Clots—True or Clickbait? Raven Plume