Body donation is a noble goal, but many New England families don’t understand the process for a body donation after death. It’s natural to have questions about exactly what happens when you donate your body to science, like:
- What actually happens after death?
- How is the body used?
- Is the body donation process ethical?
- Will the remains be returned?
- How long will the process take?
We find that once families understand how body donation after death works, they are more open to considering becoming a body donor. So, we will explain the process and answer your key questions.
Medical Schools Still Depend on Donated Bodies
Cadaver-based anatomy remains the gold standard for medical education. Even with advances in 3D models and simulations, about a third of countries rely exclusively on body donation for anatomy training. New England medical schools like Harvard and Yale have been incorporating donated bodies into its teaching curriculum since the 18th century.
Donated bodies allow medical students, surgeons, and researchers to understand anatomical variation and train on the complexities of the human body.
What Happens Immediately After Death
After death occurs, the body donation organization you choose will coordinate transportation from the place of passing, whether that is a hospital, hospice facility, or home. There is a medical review at the time of death to determine eligibility, although you can avoid some of this process by registering ahead of time for body donation after death.
In New England, United Tissue Network (UTN) is a nonprofit organization that manages body donations throughout the region. UTN team members arrange for transportation, placement with a reputable medical training, education, or research facility, and cremation after studies are complete.
Donated Bodies in Medical Science
Donated bodies may be utilized for a range of educational and research purposes that support modern medicine, such as:
- Anatomy instruction for medical students
- Surgical training for surgeons
- Research into diseases and treatments
- Testing and refinement of medical devices
All of these have a common goal: improving the quality of care for patients.
In New England, we have a significant number of teaching hospitals, academic medical centers, and research facilities. There are more than 200 in Massachusetts alone, along with more than 1,200 biotech companies, and hundreds more such facilities spread across New England. Some of these facilities rely on body donation after death for critical studies.
How Long Medical Use May Last
One of the most common questions families ask when learning what happens when you donate your body to science is how long the body will be used. The answer varies, depending on the type of educational or research study involved.
It may take a few weeks or even a few years. For example, Harvard medical school says the average duration is 12 to 15 months.
Cremation
After medical education or research use is complete, the body is cremated. United Tissue Network ensures cremation is done at no cost to families and cremated remains are available to families upon prior request.
Ethical Treatment by Accredited Body Donation Organization
Body donation is governed by state laws and ethical oversight designed to protect donors and families. UTN follows strict guidelines to ensure that donors and families are treated with respect and dignity throughout the process, upholding an accredited standard of ethics.
Beyond medical education, training, and research, many New England families find comfort in knowing that the passing of a loved one is making an important contribution to medical science. Donating a body makes for a powerful legacy that can improve the quality of life for future generations.
When you register in advance, you fill out a brief online form and provide consent along with your medical history. Most adults 18+ are accepted with no upper limit on age, except for those with an infectious disease like hepatitis or HIV/AIDs. This precaution is necessary to protect medical professionals.
Once accepted into the program, you will receive a digital donor certificate, which designates your intentions. It’s a good idea to include this information in your living will or healthcare directive and share it with your doctor and family members. When death occurs, time is of the essence. These steps, along with advanced registration, streamline the body donation process and make it easier for loved ones.
Pledge yourself or register a loved one for body donation after death with United Tissue Network.
