Body donation to science at no cost to your family: An end-of-life gift

Science Care is here to help in your time of need.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed as terminally ill, is under hospice care, or has recently passed away, please fill out the form on this page or call us to begin the screening process for body donation to science with no-cost cremation.

Start medical screening for body donation to science

Science Care can facilitate donation from all states in the U.S. except AK, AR, HI, ME, MN, MT, NJ, NM, ND, and OK (due to state specific laws). County restrictions may apply.

Your information

Donor information

Best Contact for Medical Screening

(If the same as above, then leave blank)

If the Patient is Under Hospice Care...

If the information below does not apply, simply type “n/a.”

Most people meet the criteria for donation with Science Care, including those with cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Certain conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, extremely high or low body mass index (BMI), or the state of passing could exclude donation.

Your information is never shared and is kept confidential with restricted access.
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DNA icon representing body donation to science

Donation benefits include no-cost cremation upon acceptance

  • Donor and loved ones may find comfort in knowing the gift will support medical research, education, and training around the globe.
  • Allows for pre-screening and one-year priority consideration for acceptance at the time of passing for peace of mind.
  • No costs associated with transportation, filing of the death certificate and permits, cremation, or the return of cremated remains (should you wish to receive them).
  • Science Care will assist the family in completing as much of the process upfront as possible.
  • No upper age limit, and most people meet program criteria, including those with cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
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What happens after a Science Care donor passes?

  • A loved one or care provider contacts Science Care to notify us of the passing.
  • Science Care will arrange transport to pick up the donor, and obtain any pending authorizations, death certificate information, or medical/social history needed to process the donation.
  • Specimens are procured for medical research, surgical training, and education programs.
  • Any tissue not recovered for research and education is cremated and returned typically in 3-5 weeks to the designated recipient.
  • Legacy Letter: In the month following the donation, Science Care emails a letter to the donation consenter, outlining current research programs at the time of donation.
  • Memory in Nature: As a celebration of life, a tree sapling is planted in honor of each donor.

Change the future of medicine and help generations to come

The gift of body donation provides a pathway to greater medical knowledge and discovery. Science Care donors have made contributions to medical research and education in areas such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, orthopedics, and more.