Whole-body donation
Donating the entire body to medical schools or research programs. Usually free to the family, and many programs cover transport and return the cremated remains afterward.
Whole-body donation supports anatomy education, surgical training, and medical research. Legitimate programs — typically run by universities or established nonprofits — accept the body at no cost, handle transport, and after the study cremate the remains and return them to the family, often within a year.
This is different from organ donation for transplant, which happens immediately and does not rule out a funeral. Whole-body donation generally rules out an open-casket viewing because the body is needed promptly and is not returned intact.
Vet the program. Some for-profit “body brokers” have sold donated remains for parts. Stick with university medical schools or accredited nonprofit programs, and get the terms in writing, including whether they can decline the body (for example after an autopsy or certain infections).
- Cremation— Reducing the body to bone fragments and ash using high heat (about 1,400–1,800 °F) over two to three hours. The resulting 'cremated remains' weigh 4–8 pounds for an adult.
- Autopsy— A medical examination of the body, internal and external, to determine cause of death. Ordered by a medical examiner or requested by the family in some cases.
This definition is general consumer information, not legal, medical, or financial advice. Industry practices and regulations change occasionally; verify before relying on anything here for a specific decision.
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