What is Whole Body Donation?
Whole body donation is the process of voluntarily donating one’s entire body after death for scientific, medical, or educational purposes. These donations are typically used by medical schools, research institutions, and training programs to advance understanding of human anatomy, develop new surgical techniques, or study diseases and medical conditions. Unlike organ donation, where specific organs are transplanted into living patients, whole body donation supports medical education and research.
The American Association of Tissue Banks
The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) is a non-profit, scientific and educational organization responsible for setting the standards for whole body donation providers or tissue banks, which may be AATB accredited. AATB makes certain that their accredited tissue banks adhere to safe and ethical procedures. Choosing a body donation program that is AATB accredited ensures that donors are treated with respect and consideration.
Options for Institutions
MedCure is one recommended institution for whole body donation. AATB accredited, MedCure has been serving families and scientists since 2005. MedCure serves 45 states in the United States. At the family’s request, MedCure may provide a letter detailing how the donor contributed to medical science.
United Tissue Network is another AATB accredited option for whole body donation. UTN has locations in Arizona and Florida and has served around 12,000 families.
Both institutions research disease pathology and other medical conditions. Donors provide them with the means to do this research. Thanks to whole body donations, the medical world has been able to make leaps in research.
Cost-Free Cremations
Whole body donation is a cost-effective alternative to Direct Cremations. Both MedCure and UTN cover the cost of cremation and transportation and do the cremations themselves in their respective locations- MedCure even offers ossuary interment. Cremations post-donation take longer than the standard 10-14 days to allow for the tissue donation to take place. If a family does not have the means by which to pay for funeral services, a whole body donation may be a good option to consider.