What happens after someone donates their body to science? (native, search, program) - Genealogy -Ancestry research, historical records, genetic analysis, sharing data, locating family - City-Data Forum

Cindiana · 03-10-2011, 07:39 AM

I've found an obituary of a distant relative that donated his body to the local university department of anatomy. I was wondering what happens to the body after the university is finsihed with it. No mention is made of a burial place. If the person does not specify a burial location before they die, does anyone know what happens to the body?

CAVA1990 · 03-10-2011, 08:27 AM

I'm guessing incineration.

bjh · 03-10-2011, 09:03 AM

Families can opt to have any remains not kept for educational purposes returned for burial or cremation, whichever they or the deceased (via a will) prefer. Cremation is the norm in these cases, but some people have personal or philosophical objections.

wit-nit · 03-10-2011, 04:23 PM

Exactly what he ^^ said.

Cindiana · 03-10-2011, 06:59 PM

OK, thanks for your answers. Do you think I should enter "body donated to science" in the burial field in my genealogy program? Any other ideas?

suzy_q2010 · 03-10-2011, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabe09

OK, thanks for your answers. Do you think I should enter "body donated to science" in the burial field in my genealogy program? Any other ideas?

You could see whether the school would be willing to share with you whether it dosposed of the remains or whether they were returned to the family.

DCforever · 03-10-2011, 08:00 PM

My father's body was "donated to science" which means the local medical school used it for training purposes. We got his ashes back and buried them at the family plot, but honestly you can just as easily put up a memorial stone. Where his physical remains decomposed doesn't seem all that germane.

Cindiana · 03-10-2011, 08:51 PM

OK, thanks for your replies everyone. You've given me some good ideas.

hey teach · 03-12-2011, 03:14 PM

My uncle died of a rare form of pancreatic cancer and had his body donated to Vanderbilt University Hospital for research. After about 6 months the family was contacted and arrangements were made for the remains to be shipped back to the family. At this time, a private family service was conducted and the remains were buried in the family plot. Cremation was offered, but the family chose the alternative. Vanderbilt was very gracious and treated the remains and the family with great compassion and care.

Cindiana · 03-13-2011, 01:57 PM

Thanks hey teach. I did some more research and found where my relative was buried. I appreciate everyone taking time to respond.