Body Donation: My Mother's Thoughtful Legacy
Why I also want to donate my body to medical science and the surprising number of options to do so
Mom's long flowered skirts, leather sandals and single long braid gave her a 1960's-style authentic vibe that has mostly disappeared from this country's landscape. While her ability to enjoy tent camping, garage sales, coupon-clipping and crafting faded in her later years, her core values did not. She remained practical, thoughtful and thrifty until leaving this world at 95 years old.
While processing her loss, I'm drawn to do something in addition to planning her memorial service and family get-togethers. While I'll never be as cool as her — I always chose hotels over tents — I want to do one awesome thing she did. I want to donate my body to medical science.
Ecologically minded due to her Depression-era childhood, Mom reused most everything. Plastic bread bags were rinsed and hung to dry, clean foil folded and stored, and glass jars washed and saved. Mom loved the idea that once she was "done with her body," it would be used to train medical students to perform autopsies. Even better, cremation of her ashes was free — a real plus for this garage sale veteran.
[I] like the idea of my body being put to good use after I'm gone.
Mom smiled broadly after completing the paperwork from the Maryland Department of Health State Anatomy Board a decade ago. "If they learn anything from this tired old body, then that's a good use of it."
My reasons for body donation are similar to hers. I prefer cremation because it is more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial, and like the idea of my body being put to good use after I'm gone.
Body Donation Considerations
Since I want my remains used for medical research or to train medical students, my search focused on medical school body donation programs. I was surprised at the number of options and variability across programs.
Here are some things I learned during my review:
Include loved ones: Most programs begin with a reminder to discuss your intentions with loved ones so questions and concerns can be addressed before a final decision is made. Body donation and cremation are not a fit for everyone, so that needs to be considered. My family had supported the idea of body donation in earlier conversations. I texted my children to let them know I was moving forward with the process. Even with an expectation of support, it was comforting to see my children's endorsement acknowledged in a group text.
Some individuals donate because it removes the burden, costs and decision process from family members while providing a useful service.
Program "fit:" People participate in whole body donation for a variety of reasons, so it's important to find a program that meets your needs. Some individuals donate because it removes the burden, costs and decision process from family members while providing a useful service. Many people appreciate the annual memorial service offered by some programs to honor those who donated their bodies. I liked the idea of supporting the medical school affiliated with the university two of my children attended, so that helped guide my program search.
Location matters: Since I live in a small town 60 miles from the closest city, my donation options are more limited than for someone living in a metropolitan complex. While most programs transport the body at no cost, the maximum distances vary. Some programs provide free transportation for 100 miles whereas others extend to 300 miles, with the family covering additional transport fees.
Ensure program clarity: Some programs display clear information about program acceptance, costs, transportation and body usage, whereas others are more vague. I wanted a program that ensured my family wouldn't be burdened or surprised by what occurred after my death.
My mom's case progressed as expected and the elapsed time frame was much shorter than the possible two-year wait for remains. The Maryland State Anatomy Board retrieved my mom's body within hours of her death and shipped her cremated remains to my brother within two months of her passing, all at no cost. It took some time for me to find a program that offered similar clarity and service in my location. (I don't mind paying for embalming, cremation or transportation, but don't want to burden my children with negotiating unexpected charges or terms of a vague contract while in mourning.)
Some whole-body donation programs don't allow organ donation, some allow eye donation only.
Review the fine print: A Google search of "donating body to science" revealed a variety of options in addition to medical school autopsy programs. Be sure to carefully review program details to ensure they fit your desires. Mom's body could have been used by any of the following: medical and dental schools, resident teaching programs, and other related health, education and research study programs. Several program contracts retain the flexibility to move bodies to facilities where it is most needed.
Review restrictions: Restrictions vary by program as well. Some programs don't have restrictions as long as the deceased is over 18 and doesn't have a contagious disease. Other programs have a list of restrictions related to the condition of the body. Some whole-body donation programs don't allow organ donation, some allow eye donation only, and other programs allow registration for both organ and whole-body donation with the understanding that organ transplantation programs take precedence. Many programs require donation paperwork to be completed by the individual, but some states allow the legal next of kin to donate a family member's body after death.
While the process was time-consuming, I'm relieved to be done with the research and close to a decision.
While unlikely, there's no guarantee my remains won't be rejected due to a contagious disease. I'll inform my family that a contingency plan could be needed and provide them with my wishes if body donation isn't viable. I was disappointed to introduce uncertainty to the plan, but believe the result is worth the extra effort. However, it's unrealistic to think my children won't need to negotiate changes on my behalf since my brothers and I faced numerous surprises during Mom's final years.
Take time to review: After researching options and arriving at a tentative choice, I decided to wait before signing a contract. The programs I reviewed allow donors to withdraw from a program, but I want to be certain the selected program is the best fit. I'll also select a backup plan and make all information available to my family.
While the process was time-consuming, I'm relieved to be done with the research and close to a decision. Watching my mom age gracefully taught me that discussing and planning for end of life are important conversations that need to be addressed sooner rather than later. I may never be considered as "cool" as my mom but am glad I did one thoughtful thing she did.
