Even when you choose to donate your body you may still have a funeral service, including a viewing or visitation. Have the funeral firm contact the school you are donating to for instructions regarding filing of the Certificate of Death and embalming procedures. After whole body donation cremation is almost always the means of disposition.
Whole body donations go to medical schools for the teaching of anatomy although not all body donations are accepted. We recommend that you pre-register with a medical school in your area. Each school has different policies and procedures which are explained in their registration packet. The school will make every effort to accept the donation unless there are medical contraindications. Acceptance or rejection of a donated body is usually a decision the medical school makes at the time of donation. Transportation fees are paid for by the family in many areas. Also, there are charges by the funeral home when one is utilized.
