Body Donation
If you choose Body Donation, have a BACKUP PLAN!
As far as we can find, all organ/tissue and body donation programs can decline to take your donation at the time of death.
FRAUD ALERT
The practices at some for-profit non-transplant tissue banks are concerning. These companies, which are different from the organ and tissue transplant industry that the U.S. government regulates, can offer misleading information to people interested in "donating their bodies to science." These organizations are sometimes referred to as “body-brokers” and may use bodies in illegal ways, such as through illegal storage or selling practices. Confirm AATB accreditation. See below section on Whole Body Donation.
What's the difference?
Organ Donation
- Includes: lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, pancreas.
- You must already be in a hospital AND on life support AND be unrecoverable (usually brain dead), so less than 1% will be able to do this.
- Does NOT impact funeral arrangements of any kind.
Eye & Tissue Donation
- Includes corneas or whole eyes, skin, veins, bone and connective tissue, heart valves.
- You can be anywhere in the US and the tissue recovery can happen after the moment of death.
- Does NOT impact funeral arrangements of any kind.
Whole Body Donation
- Purpose is not to save or enhance the lives of living persons. It is for research or to train medical professionals.
- Replaces the need and cost of managing the deceased’s body.
- Arrangements must be made with a specific company or university.