Donating your body to science can be a a wonderful thing to do, and there is always an urgent need for volunteers. But, if you don't know where to get started, the process can be daunting. This guide will make the process less confusing and will tell you how to donate your body to science.

Donating your body to science is a noble act. Donor bodies are essential to medical and scientific progress. They are used for everything from training doctors and testing new drugs and surgical techniques to "body farms," where forensics students learn what happens to cadavers exposed to the elements. Some are choosing to donate their bodies for plastination, some to be included in exhibits like Body Worlds.http://www.bodyworlds.com/en/body_donation.html To donate your body this way however, special consent forms must be signed, along with counseling. In order for bodies to be used, they must have passed away by natural causes, leaving the body intact.http://www.koerperspende.de/en/body_donation/faq.html

Donating your body to science is a very personal decision. Before finalizing plans, be sure to inform your close friends and family of your decision, so they know how to act and what to do after your passing. As your county clerk if there are any additional requirements or documents that need to be filed.

• There are many facilities in the US seeking body donors. You need to do some research to find the one that is right for you.Anatomical Board: Body Donation Programs in the United States

1. Do an online search for the phrase "willed body program" along with your state or city.The Straight Dope: How do you donate your body to science?
   • This will lead you to medical schools, hospitals and research facilities in your area seeking donations.
2. Body donation is largely unregulated,FOXNews.com: How to Donate Your Body to Science (June 13, 2007) and there are many organizations out there using donor tissue for unscrupulous purposes.Washington Post: In New York, a Grisly Traffic in Body Parts (January 28, 2006)
   • When you are investigating organizations, make sure they are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks, which oversees tissue donations.Official Site: American Association of Tissue Banks

• Different facilities can have very different policies,UAB Health System: Donating Body for Scientific Research so be sure to ask many questions so you'll know this is the right facility for you.University of Connecticut Health Center: The Corpse Collector (August 14, 2007)

1. Ask how the facility will use your body.
   • You can specify things you don't want your body used for, but you cannot specify what your body will be used for.Salon.com: Over your dead body (April 17, 2003)
   • You can greatly increase the odds that your body will be used for certain things by choosing to donate to facilities that specialize in certain diseases.eHow.com: How to Donate a Body to Medical Research
2. Ask about the facility's policy regarding any health issues you may have.
   • Many facilities will reject donors who have certain medical conditions, like syphilis, tuberculosis or AIDS.Virginia.gov: Questions and Answers: Donating Body to Science
3. Ask about any age requirements.
   • Typically there is no maximum age, but you must be over 18.Cleveland Clinic: Body Donation Program
4. Find out what the facility will do with your body after they are finished with it.MedicineNet.com: Ask the Experts: Donating Your Body to Med School
   • Will the facility cremate your body?AllExperts: Funeral Expenses Will your body or ashes be returned to your family? When?
5. Discuss any possible fees with the facility.
   • Many facilities will pay all the expenses when you donate your body, but not all of them will.About.com: Choose a Final Resting Place There could be costs like embalming and transportation that your family will be expected to pay.LubbockOnline: Find Out What Really Happens When You Donate Your Body (December 8, 2007)
6. If you're wondering about selling your body to science, rather than donating it, forget about it.
   • There is a very shady, undergroud market for cadavers,New York Times: Death Wish (March 11, 2004) but the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act makes it illegal to sell or buy parts for medical purposes.Anatomical Gift: Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
   • The act does leave some wiggle room by allowing for "processing fees," but don't expect to make your family rich this way.Ask Yahoo!: Is it possible to sell my body to science? (February 19, 2007)

• It can be awkward, but you need to talk with your family about your plan to donate your body to science.

1. If you don't tell your family, they won't find out until after you've died,New York Times: Alternatives for Final Disposition (April 15, 2008) which could be traumatic.
   • Your family might object to your plans on religious grounds or for other reasons. If so, you need to know now so you can try to resolve these issues.NPR: Body Donors: A Final Gift of Teaching, (February 10, 2005)
   • After you have died, your next of kin must provide their consent for your body to be donated to science.Science Care: Body Donation FAQ
2. Instruct your family about the things they'll need to do after you've passed away.
   • Very soon after you die, your family will need to contact the facility you've selected.MayoClinic.com: Making a Donation
   • Specify that you don't want a post-mortem, and you want to donate your whole body,Helium: Donating your body to medical science not just certain organs. Many facilities will not accept bodies that are missing any organs other than the corneas.WomensHealth.gov: Organ Donation and Transplantation

• There is really no downside to donating your body to science. By doing so, you're helping doctors save lives. You might also save your family from an expensive funeral. Find a facility you can trust, discuss your plans with your loved ones and begin the donation process today. You won't regret it.

• Introduction
• Step 1: Do Your Research
• Step 2: Discuss Your Plans
• Step 3: Make Your Donation Official
• Conclusion
• References