Today, more families choose cremation versus a traditional funeral and burial, especially in New England. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), cremation rates in the New England states are generally above the national average. For example, more than 80% of Maine and New Hampshire residents choose cremation, and more than 70% of those in Vermont do so as well. Throughout the rest of New England, well more than half opt for cremation.
Some families prefer the simplicity or a more environmentally friendly option. Others want a lower-cost end-of-life solution. Regardless of your reasons, the cost of cremation continues to rise. So, another option is donating your body. You can make an important contribution to the advancement of medical science and get free cremation.
Why Consider Whole Body Donation?
For many families, the decision to donate a loved one’s body to science is motivated by purpose. Whole body donation contributes to advancements in:
- Surgical training and education for future doctors
- Research into disease treatments and medical devices
- Innovations in emergency medicine and patient care
In addition to its scientific impact, whole body donation eliminates the financial burden associated with traditional funerals. Cremation alone in New England can cost about $2,000 for a direct cremation to more than $8,000 for a full-service ceremony. Whole body donation eliminates these costs entirely, including transportation, documentation, and cremation.
How to Donate Your Body to Science in New England
Families in New England can work directly with United Tissue Network (UTN), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and accredited organization that offers whole body donation with free cremation.
Here’s how to donate your body to science in New England.
Register with United Tissue Network
UTN makes it easy to donate your body. You can pre-register online by filling out a consent form and a brief medical history. Once accepted, donors receive a Donor Security Certificate confirming enrollment. UTN also supports donations at the time of death, when the next of kin can initiate the process after a loved one’s passing.
Health Screening and Eligibility
Most adults are eligible for donation. UTN accepts donors with many common medical conditions, although certain infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or active hepatitis, may disqualify someone. The screening process ensures that donations meet the needs of medical researchers while maintaining health and safety standards.
Transportation and Coordination
When a donor passes away, the family or medical facility contacts UTN’s 24/7 support team. UTN arranges for professional transportation from anywhere in New England, whether from a hospital, hospice facility, or private residence. There is no cost to the family for this service.
Research Placement and Cremation
The deceased is placed with a reputable medical research or educational facility and may be used in medical training, surgical workshops, or scientific studies. After the program is complete, the body is respectfully cremated, and the remains are made available to families upon prior request.
Supporting Grief and Memorial Planning
Although body donation does not include a traditional funeral, families can still hold private memorials at home, in places of worship, or outdoors. Many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s final act was one of generosity and purpose.
Benefits of Choosing United Tissue Network
UTN provides an ethical and compassionate experience for families. Here’s why many New Englanders are choosing UTN for whole body donation:
- Free cremation and transportation: UTN covers all costs from the moment of passing through the return of remains.
- Financial relief for low-income families: UTN offers free cremation for low-income Massachusetts families or elsewhere in New England.
- Accreditation: UTN follows the highest national standards for handling and processing donor bodies.
- Service across New England: Whether you are in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, UTN serves urban and rural communities.
- A legacy of giving: Each donation supports vital advances in medicine that benefit future generations.
Choosing whole body donation is a deeply personal decision, but for many New England families, it represents the perfect balance of generosity, practicality, and compassion. It provides a path to free cremation for low-income Massachusetts families or anyone, regardless of income.
If you or a loved one is considering this option, now is the time to take the next step. Learn more about whole body donation in New England and discover how you can make a lasting contribution to medical science while providing your family with free cremation. Begin the registration process today.
