How to Donate a Body to Science in Ohio

Donating a body to science in Ohio is pretty simple, and it can really help medical students conduct studies and research in their particular fields. The easiest way to donate a body to science is to go through the Division of Anatomy at The Ohio State University. Anybody 18 and older can choose to donate his or her body to the program free of charge. The Division of Anatomy may refuse the body if it has been autopsied, embalmed or has contracted a communicable disease. If your body doesn't fall under these categories, you can donate it in a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Anatomical bequeathal form
• Cremation authorization form

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Instructions

• 1

  Complete the Anatomical Bequeathal and cremation authorization forms. This simple two-page document will ask basic questions about the donor and his/her family. You can find the forms here: https://ckm.osu.edu/sitetool/sites/anatomy/documents/bequeathal_form_and_CA.pdf.

• 2

  Return the forms to the department after they are signed and witnessed. The department will return a letter of acknowledgment once they receive the papers.

• 3

  Contact your local funeral home and make arrangements for transportation of the body to the department. This has to be done at the time of death. The funeral home must contact the department to ensure that the proper forms are on file, the body is acceptable, and to affirm that the funeral home will provide a burial transit permit and a copy of the death certificate.

• 4

  Confirm your transportation arrangements between your funeral home and The Ohio State University. There is no fee for donating a body, and you will not get paid for your donation either. Funeral costs are the responsibility of the family, but The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health will cover the cost of cremation after completion of the anatomical studies.