How to donate your body to science
Science Care's body donation process
2 steps you can take today:
1. Register your intent to donate
You can join the Science Care online donor registry in less than 3 minutes. There's no obligation or cost after you register.
2. Make your wishes known
After you register, notify loved ones of your wish to donate. About 40% of those who register never become donors, so please consider the following steps:
What happens next?
3. Medical screening
A loved one or care provider contacts Science Care to notify us when:
- A donor enters hospice care, palliative care, or is terminally ill, or...
- A passing has occurred.
To complete the medical screening with a Science Care representative, call us 24 hours a day at (800) 417-3747.
4. Donation process begins
- After acceptance, Science Care coordinates transportation to bring the donor into our care.
- A Science Care Donor Services Coordinator will assist consenters throughout the donation process and will obtain any pending or required authorizations.
- Science Care files the death certificate in the county of passing.
5. Completion of donation
- Specimens are procured for medical research, surgical training, and education programs.
- Any tissue not matched with a current Science Care program is cremated and can be returned, if requested, to the individual designated on the consent form, approximately 3-5 weeks following the donation.
6. Celebration of donation
- Memorial Services: Many families will have a celebration of life or memorial service for their loved one.
- Legacy Letter: Science Care emails a letter to the donation consenter, outlining research programs at the time of donation.
- Memory in Nature: As a celebration of life, a tree is planted in honor of each donor.
- As another way to celebrate the life of a donor, loved ones may submit a tribute to appear on our Memorials page.
Can I donate my body to science?
Most people meet the criteria for donation with Science Care, including those with cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Certain issues such as location of residence or passing, or consent or legal issues may impact final acceptance in to the Science Care Program.
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