Whole Body Donation in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

Whole body donation plays a vital role in advancing medical education, scientific research, and even forensic studies. Whether you’re exploring donation options for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to understand how the process works, which organizations are trustworthy, and what benefits or costs may be involved. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of programs in the United States and highlight reputable organizations that facilitate whole body donation.

University Medical School Donation Programs

Many people choose to donate their bodies to university medical schools. These programs use donations to educate future doctors, dentists, and health professionals.

Medical schools usually have their own Willed Body Programs, which allow individuals to pre-register or allow next-of-kin to authorize donation at the time of death. These donations typically remain within the institution and are used for anatomy classes, surgical training, or medical device testing.

Notable programs include:

• Harvard Medical School Anatomical Gift Program

• Mayo Clinic’s Anatomical Bequest Program

• Johns Hopkins University Willed Body Program

• Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

• University of California, San Francisco Willed Body Program

Each of these programs has slightly different eligibility requirements and processes, so it’s wise to reach out directly if you’re considering pre-registration. Many schools will also return cremated remains to the family after the study is complete.

National Nonprofit Organizations

Several national nonprofit organizations offer whole body donation programs that serve multiple states. These groups often partner with medical schools, research hospitals, and surgical training centers.

Top nonprofit organizations include:

• Science Care: One of the largest U.S. body donation networks, accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Covers cremation, transportation, and paperwork.

• Anatomy Gifts Registry (AGR): Based in Maryland and active throughout the East Coast, AGR specializes in research-focused donation.

• United Tissue Network: AATB-accredited, with coverage in several states, including Arizona and Florida.

• MedCure: Nationwide service with a focus on advancing medical science. Also AATB accredited and provides no-cost cremation and return of remains.

• BioGift Anatomical: Based in Oregon and serving the western U.S., BioGift also specializes in medical research.

These organizations are typically more flexible in terms of logistics. Many operate 24/7 and can coordinate transport from a hospital, hospice, or home setting. They may also have more research-based applications beyond education, including projects related to cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, orthopedics, and more.

State-Based and Regional Donation Programs

In addition to national groups, many states have their own body donation programs that are either independent or affiliated with state-run universities.

Examples include:

• Colorado State Anatomical Board: Manages body donation across Colorado and coordinates with local universities.

• UT Southwestern Willed Body Program: One of the largest programs in Texas, serving medical education needs throughout the region.

• Life Legacy Foundation: Based in Arizona, Life Legacy supports both research and education, including programs for veterans and underserved populations.

Some states have legal anatomical boards that regulate or coordinate all donations within that state. These boards ensure transparency and help direct donations to institutions with the greatest need.

Veteran and Military-Specific Programs

There are also programs that work with veterans and serve military research or forensic science purposes.

• Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS): Based in Bethesda, Maryland, this program supports the training of military medical personnel.

• [Department of Defense partnerships]: While not always publicly advertised, some accredited programs like Science Care or MedCure have research contracts that involve defense-related projects.

If you are a veteran or your loved one served in the military, it’s worth asking whether specific donation opportunities exist in connection with military or VA hospitals.

What to Look for in a Whole Body Donation Program

Choosing a whole body donation program can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. AATB Accreditation

Look for programs that are accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). This accreditation ensures the organization follows rigorous ethical and operational standards.

2. No-Cost Services

Most legitimate programs cover:

• Transportation of the body

• Filing of the death certificate

• Cremation and return of remains (if desired)

Be wary of organizations that charge upfront fees unless it’s a university-based program with specific policies.

3. Transparency

Ensure the organization provides:

• A detailed consent form

• A clear explanation of how remains will be used

• The right to withdraw consent at any time (for pre-registered donors)

4. Purpose of Donation

Some programs focus on:

• Medical education

• Surgical training

• Disease research (e.g., cancer, ALS)

• Medical device development

• Forensic science

You may be able to specify how your donation is used, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Common Questions About Whole Body Donation

Can I donate if I have a disease or take medications?
It depends. Some conditions (e.g., HIV, hepatitis, severe obesity, or recent major surgery) may disqualify you, but others like cancer or Alzheimer’s might be welcomed for research.

Can I donate if I’m an organ donor?
Usually, no. Most programs require the body to be intact for educational or research purposes. However, some programs work around this or accept donors after cornea donation.

How long does the donation process take?
The body is typically used for weeks to a few years. Afterward, cremated remains are returned if requested.

Can my family still hold a memorial service?
Yes. Many families hold a service without the body present. Some programs also offer annual memorial events to honor donors.

How to Get Started

If you’re considering body donation, here’s a quick checklist:

• Research programs in your area or that operate nationwide

• Pre-register if possible, even if donation isn’t guaranteed

• Talk to your family and make your wishes known

• Store your paperwork somewhere accessible (such as with your advance directives or in a CLEAR Kit)

• Ask what’s covered and what timelines to expect after death

Whole body donation is one of the most impactful final gifts a person can give. It not only contributes to the advancement of medicine and science, but also offers families a no-cost option that brings meaning and purpose to loss.