How to Donate a Human Skeleton

Medical science depends largely on the study of human anatomy and physiology, especially the inside of the body. Because a live person cannot be used for anything except very basic external studies, scientists and doctors rely heavily on cadaver donations in order to advance their knowledge of medicine. If you are interested in contributing to the advancement of science and medicine, there are programs in almost every state willing to accept your generous donation after you pass away.

Instructions

Donating Your Body

• 1

  The Laboratory of Human Osteology at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in New Mexico accepts skeletal donations on a case-by-case basis. It can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone at [phone].

• 2

  If you donate your body to the Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee, forensic anthropologists will study how your body decomposes. Once you've become nothing but a skeleton, your bones will be used in other research programs.

• 3

  Beyond these options, there are almost no donor programs set up for just a skeletal donation. Most medical schools will want your entire body. You may, however, contact individual organizations dedicated to anthropology and osteology, as some of these institutions are open to discussing a skeletal donation even if they have no official program.

• 4

  Familiarize yourself with common procedures regarding body donation. Most schools will cremate your body when they're finished with it, and if your family wants your ashes returned, it can take two years or longer. Your family will not receive any money for your donation, and you will not receive any personal recognition from the program. Also, you may not donate any organs to other programs with the exception of your eyes.

• 5

  Talk to your family about your decision to donate. The death of a loved one is a very sensitive issue, and a program will not argue with your family members if they object to your donation.

• 6

  Once you've discussed your decision with your family, you will need to hire an attorney to ensure your will and any other legal issues are taken care of so that after you die there are no obstacles preventing your donation.

• 7

  If you haven't done so already, select the program you would like to receive your skeleton or your body. A list of medical programs associated with U.S. universities is maintained by the University of Florida and can be reviewed at http://www.med.ufl.edu/anatbd/usprograms.html#index.

• 8

  Every program will have an enrollment package for you to fill out. The package will contain several consent forms, and they will all require a witness to your signature.

• 9

  Keep in mind your family members will have to take care of several things concerning your donation once you've died. At a minimum, they must coordinate with the local funeral director and the program you've donated to. There might be other important issues to consider. For example, the University of Florida requires your family to pay for embalming and the transport of your body if you die more than 50 miles away from their facility.