Alternatives To Burial: Body Donation

What happens to your body when you donate it for scientific research depends largely on the type of organization you donate to. Bodies donated to medical schools are typically (but not always) used to teach medical students human anatomy. According to Dr. Cecilia Brassett of Cambridge University, donated bodies are first embalmed, and then, after several months have passed to allow the embalming fluid to “set,” they are dissected by 6–8 medical students over the course of the academic year. In some cases, a donated body may instead be used by clinical researchers to investigate new surgical procedures or to study variations in human anatomy. In either event, when the donated body is no longer needed, it is usually cremated via fire-based cremation or alkaline hydrolysis, and the cost of final disposition is assumed by the medical school. Some medical schools return cremated ashes to the families, while others do not. It’s a good idea to ask about this option when you register to be a donor.

If you donate your body to a company such as Science Care or MedCure, the organization will arrange for your body (or body parts) to be donated to one or more research facilities nationwide. When the research is complete, the company arranges cremation or alkaline hydrolysis and returns your ashes to your next of kin if they so desire. If your loved ones decline to take your ashes, they will usually be buried or scattered at sea. 

Another option for donating your body is to work with an organ procurement organization (OPO). This can be done before or after your death by your next of kin. These organizations work with a team of doctors who will “harvest” any viable tissue that can be used for transplant when a recipient becomes available (see our section on Organ, Tissue and Whole-Body Donation for more information). After this procedure, all incisions are closed, and your body is returned to your next of kin for final disposition. 

Sources

“The Truth Behind Donating Your Body to a Medical School”. News Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20180427/The-Truth-Behind-Donating-Your-Body-to-a-Medical-School.aspx 

“Volunteer Locally.” HRSA: Organ Donor. https://www.organdonor.gov/get-involved/volunteer