Body Donation (Not to be confused with Organ, Bone, Eye, and Tissue Donation)

This method of disposition involves transporting a deceased to a specific place of study (usually a medical school in a metropolitan area).  Without exception, a person must pre-arrange this method of disposition by making application to be part of the facility’s body donation program.

When death occurs, the next-of-kin must still meet with the funeral home, as the funeral home is responsible for filing the death certificate.  And, the funeral home is usually involved in the transportation of the deceased from the place of death to the place of study (cost of transportation depends upon distance and family is responsible for this expense).

Upon completion of their study, some facilities cremate the deceased and return the cremated remains to the family.  Some facilities do not return the cremated remains, but they hold periodic memorial ceremonies for multiple decedents and place the cremated remains in an appropriately marked burial or niche space.

We recommend discussing these arrangements in advance so everyone has an understanding of what to expect.