Donating Your Body to Science via Willed Body Program

September 13th, 2009

We will all pass on. That is a fact of life. Generally, a person has planned for their passing by way of funeral arrangements or cremation. Instead of burying your body or incinerating it, have you ever thought about donating your body to science? Many people have thought about it but have no idea what it's all about. Well, a willed body program would be what you would want to check into.

 

Most states have the option to opt as an organ donor when applying for a driver's license. This is not what a willed body program is about. When you become an organ donor through the motor vehicle department,, your body parts are harvested and passed along to a donor recipient in need of your compatible organ. If you donate your body to science, your body will be sent to a medical institution for research.

 

Your body can be a valuable source of information for the medical community. There is so much researchers can learn from bodies that are donated to science,  which leads to better medical treatment, better medical procedures, better medicines and much more. Your body holds a wealth of information to medical professionals. Cancer research, surgical procedure research  and stem cell research are some the categories that your body will contribute to.

 

If you choose to donate your body to science, you will need to contact a program and get signed up. You will fill out a program form stating that you are donating your body to that particular institution. There are exceptions to bodies that will be accepted by the institution. Bodies that have certain contagious viruses will not be accepted. Bodies that have open wounds or lesions may not be accepted. Each willed body program will have their own set of criteria for accepting donors so if you are interested, be sure to check their list to make sure you will be an acceptable donor. Your next of kin can not receive any type of compensation for your body since selling your body or parts is illegal.

 

Of course, if at anytime you would like to rescind your offer, you may do so. It does not have to be a set in stone option for you, so if you were considering becoming a donor, look for a willed body program in your area, sign up and feel comforted that you have contributed to the well being of your fellow man, once you have passed on.

About the Author:

Most states have the option to opt as an organ donor when applying for a driver's license. This is not what a willed body program is about. When you become an organ donor through the motor vehicle department, your body parts are harvested and passed along to a donor recipient in need of your compatible organ. If you donate your body to science, your body will be sent to a medical institution for research.

Author: Caitlina Fuller