Full Body Donation & Cremation Choices

Many families look for meaningful ways to honor their loved ones while making a difference. Full body donation offers a chance to support medical research and education. Once the donation ends, the chosen funeral provider performs a cremation at no cost. By including this option in your funeral preplanning, you can ensure your wishes are respected, bringing peace of mind to you and your family. This thoughtful choice helps advance medical science and provides a sense of purpose during a challenging time.

Accredited institutions that use whole body donations for medical and educational purposes treat each donation with the utmost respect and appreciation, honoring the invaluable contribution to advancing medicine and research. 

What Is Full Body Donation with Cremation?

Full body donation with cremation is when an individual donates their body to medical science after death. After the donation is complete, the body is cremated, and the cremated remains are returned to the family. 

This option provides several key benefits:

• Free Cremation Services — The entire cost of direct cremation is covered, relieving families of the financial burden.
• Contribution to Medical Research — The donation plays a crucial role in advancing medical technology and research, helping to improve future medical treatments and potentially saving lives.
• Remains Returned — After the donation process, the cremated remains are returned to the family within 2-5 weeks, allowing them to proceed with memorial services or other personal plans.

This choice offers a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact on the world while providing peace of mind for families.

Benefits of Full Body Donation Through a Funeral Provider

Working with a funeral home or direct cremation provider makes the full body donation and subsequent cremation easier on families. 

Communicates with the Donor Organization for Approval Process

Your funeral provider contacts the chosen donation organization, such as Science Care, MedCure, or United Tissue Network, to obtain approval and clearance for the donation. It's crucial to inform the organization that you are working through a funeral provider who has permission to speak on your behalf. If your loved one is under hospice care, the donation organization could pre-approve them. 

Takes Care of Permits and Documentation

Your funeral provider will handle the signing and filing of permits and place an order for death certificates on your behalf. You will need several copies to care for your loved one’s estate.

Ensures a Secure Transfer to the Facility 

A funeral home can coordinate the necessary arrangements and transport the deceased to the donation facility. They will affix proper identification for accuracy. 

Perform Cremation and Return the Remains

When the donation period ends, the funeral home will transfer the deceased back into their care. They will perform the cremation and return the cremated ashes to you, either by postal mail, hand delivery, or by offering a time for you to pick them up. 

When Donors Are Not Approved

If your loved one is not approved for donation, your family will not need to find a cremation provider, as your loved one will already be in the care of a licensed funeral provider. They can proceed with a simple cremation and return the ashes to you. 

Offer Memorial Items and Grief Support

A funeral home or cremation provider can help families select an upgraded urn (to replace the temporary container that holds the ashes after cremation), cremation jewelry, keepsakes, and other remembrance items. They also have resources to help family members through grief. 

Who Can Authorize a Full Body Donation and Cremation? 

The general legal requirements to proceed with a full-body donation typically include the following:

• Consent — The donor must have provided written consent for body donation, often through a donor registration form or in their will. If the donor has not pre-registered, next of kin or legal representatives may give consent after death, depending on state laws.
• Eligibility Screening — The donation organization will conduct a medical and health screening to determine if the body meets its criteria. Infectious diseases, certain medical conditions, or recent surgeries might affect eligibility.
• Death Certificate — A legal death certificate must be issued by a medical professional before the body can be donated. This document confirms the cause and time of death.
• No Cost to Family — Most body donation programs cover all expenses related to the donation, including transportation, cremation, and return of ashes, so the family does not bear any financial burden.
• Transport Arrangements — Legal requirements often mandate that the body be transported by licensed professionals to the donation facility, following strict regulations on handling and transport.
• Compliance with State Laws — Each state may have specific regulations regarding body donation, so it’s essential to ensure that all actions comply with local laws and regulations.

How to Find a Funeral Provider for Full Body Donation

Not all funeral providers work with families for full-body donation and cremation. In California, The Omega Society and Legacy Funeral & Cremation Care partner with Science Care. To find a funeral provider who might participate in these services, click here to search by state.