Body donation is viewed as an altruistic act that helps advance medical science and education. You will not get paid for donating a body.
Payments are seen as unethical and, in most states, illegal. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) has been adopted by most states, including Rhode Island, which prohibits buying or selling bodies or body parts. All donations must be voluntary. This practice was put in place to stop the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations who might feel pressured to “donate” for financial gain. Financial incentives may also compromise the informed consent process as donors may be motivated by money.
So, do you get paid for donating your body to science? No.
While you will not be paid, you may be able to reduce the financial burden for end-of-life when you donate your body to an ethical and accredited body donation program. However, it depends on where you choose to donate and which program you work with.
Potential Fees for Body Donation Programs
Cost may be one disadvantage of donating your body to science in RI. For example, some medical schools require you to pay for transportation of the deceased or charge a fee for handling the donation. In some cases, this can be as much as $750, but it varies widely depending on the school you work with and where you are located.
One survey shows that Brown University does not charge unless the body is further than 45 miles away from Providence. Harvard Medical School nearby in Boston also pays for most costs to funeral homes, but families are responsible for any charges that are not included in the stipend. So, this may not cover transportation from some areas of Rhode Island. The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School’s Anatomical Gift Program charges for transportation across state lines to Worcester, MA.
Depending on where you live, you may be closer to medical schools in Connecticut, but the Yale School of Medicine only accepts donated bodies from deaths occurring in the state. The same applies to the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
Eliminate All Fees for Body Donation Programs
You can eliminate all fees for transportation, placement with a reputable medical science or educational facility, cremation at a licensed facility, and disposal or return of the cremated remains through United Tissue Network. UTN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that coordinates body donations for science in Rhode Island and nearby states and pays 100% of the costs.
UTN will work directly with you, a funeral home, hospital, or hospice center to coordinate the preparation and transportation of the body, ensuring ethical treatment and dignity throughout the process—and covering all costs.
The Benefits of Body Donation
Whole body donations support a variety of causes, including:
Past body donations have led to significant breakthroughs in treatments, helping provide better care and improved quality of life. Many families find comfort in knowing that a loved one’s passing is helping future generations.
The Disadvantages of Donating Your Body to Science
One disadvantage is that you will not be able to have an open casket or viewing ceremony. Viewing requires embalming, which involves toxic chemicals and negatively impacts the research process. Timing is also crucial when someone dies. The body must be properly transported, refrigerated, and stored for it to be viable.
Still, many families choose to hold a memorial ceremony or celebration of life to honor their loved one. Some also choose to have a more intimate gathering to scatter the cremated remains in a meaningful location after research has been completed.
Another is that not all donation bodies are accepted. Donors must be at least 18 years of age and free from any communicable diseases. Someone with a history of HIV/AIDS or hepatitis would not be eligible, to protect the safety of medical scientists and students. While those with most diseases are accepted, there may also be other medical reasons why someone might be ineligible. Some programs will not accept Alzheimer’s patients because of the potential for transmissible prion disease.
As a nonprofit, UTN accepts nearly all donated bodies, including those of advanced age or afflicted with cancer, heart disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and more.
Contact United Tissue Network at (877) 738-6111 to learn more about donating your body to science in Rhode Island. Donor Coordinators are available 24/7.
