How to Donate a Body to Science

Some people prefer that their body be buried after they pass; others would rather be cremated. And a select few want to do something more with their remains after they die: donate their body to science. Donating your body to science after you pass away can help researchers find new cures for diseases, teach medical students how to become great doctors, and if you suffered from an illness that we know little or nothing about, it may even help scientists learn more about that illness and find new ways to combat it. If you are interested in how to donate a body to science, read on:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a Particular Cause
   
   There are many different types of research that your body can be used for after you die – cancer, mental illness, skin disease, the list is literally endless. If you want to donate your body to a specific cause, especially if you suffered from something that you want to help others learn more about, then thoroughly think this through before you start making plans. That way, you can get in contact with the right organization to ensure your body goes somewhere that can use it for what you intend. If you have no particular preference, then decide whether you want your body to be used by medical students, or by lab researchers. If you don't care about that, either, then you may want to leave it up to your family to decide who gets your body after you're gone.

2. Get in Contact with a Medical School
   
   If you want to donate yourself to a medical school, contact the school that you are most interested in and ask about their procedures for body donations. You may find that they don't accept private donations; if that's the case, then continue your search until you find a school that does. When you do find a school who would be happy to accept your body, find out how you can set up the donation after you pass. You'll want to get their contact information to include in your will, and pass along to friends and family, so that they can get your body to the medical school as soon as possible after your passing.

3. Contact a Research Lab
   
   If you would rather donate your body to research, then find an illness or disorder that you're most interested in, or pick one that you may have suffered from yourself. You can find research labs by hitting the web and searching online, and looking for one that you are most interested in. Choosing one close to home will make it easier to transport your body after death, but don't let that deter you if you have your heart set on something specific. When you've decided where you want to go, give them a call to discuss their procedures for accepting bodies, and provide any information they may need to claim your body later on, after your death.

4. Make Your Wishes Well Known
   
   Your family may have a hard time understanding your reasons for donating your body, and they may even try to intervene and bury you instead. This is why it's imperative that you may your wishes well-known before you pass. Include your wish to be donated to science in your will, along with the specific organization or school you have made plans with. Include the organization's contact information, so the executor of your will can get in touch with them easily and arrange transportation.
   
   You should also make it clear to your friends and family that this is what you want to happen. If they protest, calmly explain the rationale behind your decision – it may help them understand and accept your choice. If they still disagree, you may want to appoint someone, like your spouse or a sibling, to battle the opposed family member in court if they try to block your body from being donated. The more people who are aware of your wishes, the better your chances of having them fulfilled after death.

5. Develop a Back-Up Plan
   
   There is a chance that your body may not be acceptable for research or teaching purposes. Since we can't plan how we die, we don't know in advance if our bodies will meet the criteria – you may end up dying in a car accident and your body may not be in good enough shape to be used the way you had hoped for. In case this happens, you need to be prepared for it.
   
   Along with your wishes to be donated to science, include what should happen if no organization can accept your body. Detail whether you would like to be buried, cremated, or otherwise, and include a complete plan of your wishes for your funeral. While the hope is that you will be able to donate your body to science, you should treat your back-up plan as if it were your only plan to make sure no loose ends are left for your family to handle.