Whole-body donation to science contributes to medical education, surgical training, and scientific research. Unlike organ donation, body donation involves giving the entire body to a medical school, research institution, or anatomical program after death.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Guide
- Research donation programs — Options include medical school anatomy programs (university-affiliated), non-profit organizations (Science Care, MedCure, BioGift), and state anatomical boards (in stat...
- Choose a program — Consider geographic availability (some programs have regional restrictions), the program's reputation and accreditation, what research your donation will support, whether there i...
- Register in advance — Complete the program's registration or authorization forms while alive. This is separate from and in addition to any organ donor registration. Most programs require the donor ...
- Discuss with family — Inform close family members and your executor of your decision. Family support is important because next-of-kin consent may be required at the time of death, even if you pre-r...
- Review acceptance criteria — Most programs accept donors with common conditions (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis). Potential disqualifying factors include: HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, ex...
- Include body donation in your estate plan — Note your wishes in your advance directive, will, and any end-of-life planning documents. Provide the program's contact information to your healthcare pr...
- Understand what happens after donation — The body is used for medical education, surgical training, or research. Programs typically retain the body for 1-3 years. After use, cremated remains are re...
- Plan for a memorial — Since the body is not immediately available, plan a memorial service without the body present. Many families hold a celebration of life shortly after death, with a separate in...
- Have a backup plan — Registration does not guarantee acceptance. If the body is declined (due to medical condition, circumstances of death, or program capacity), have an alternative plan for burial...
- Keep documents accessible — Store program registration, contact numbers, and your written wishes where they can be found quickly at the time of death. The body must typically be delivered within 24...
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a driver's license organ donor designation covers body donation
- Not telling family
- Waiting to register
- Not having a backup plan
- Assuming all programs are free
Pro Tips
- Verify the program is accredited
- Science Care operates in most U.S. states
- Consider both organ and body donation
- Understand religious perspectives
- The oldest accepted donor was 113