How to Donate Your Body to Science
Body donors pave the way for the medical community to help future generations live longer, healthier lives. Science Care's body donation process, which includes no-cost cremation, is outlined below. Our goal is always to honor and maximize the gift of each donation.
2 Steps You Can Take Today:
Note: If you or your loved one has been diagnosed as terminally ill, or is under hospice or palliative care, please fill out this form to begin the screening for Science Care’s HOPE® Program. If you are accepted in to the Science Care HOPE Program, it will qualify you for a priority screening at the time of passing.
Free eBook to Share with Your Family
Learn how to donate your body to science, how to ensure your wishes are known, and how your ultimate gift gives hope to future generations.
Paquete de Información: Descarga Gratuita
Aprenda cómo puede donar su cuerpo a la ciencia, asegurarse que sus deseos finales sean sabidos y como su regalo final le da esperanza a futuras generaciones.
What happens next?
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.
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.
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.
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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