Who is donating body parts to science after death?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the topic of body and organ donation to science, particularly among athletes. Participants share personal experiences and intentions regarding their own donations, with mentions of specific institutions like Baylor in Houston. The conversation highlights the distinction between organ donation for transplantation and donation for scientific research, with some expressing concerns about the treatment of cadavers in educational settings. Overall, there is a strong inclination towards contributing to scientific progress through body donation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of organ donation processes and regulations
  • Familiarity with body donation programs and their purposes
  • Knowledge of ethical considerations in medical education
  • Awareness of institutions involved in body donation, such as Baylor University
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the policies of body donation programs at local medical schools
  • Explore the ethical implications of cadaver use in medical education
  • Investigate the differences between organ donation for transplantation and for scientific research
  • Learn about advancements in organ cloning and their potential impact on donation practices
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for medical students, healthcare professionals, ethicists, and anyone considering body or organ donation for scientific purposes.

Messages
19,865
Reaction score
10,860
I've been hearing of many athletes coming forward to donate their brains to science when they die. Curious with most of us being involved in science and its progress has anyone here made plans to donate their body or an organ to science after they die? Why not? Let's do it!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: billy_joule
Biology news on Phys.org
I think mine will be all used up by the time i die.
 
Both of my parents donated their bodies to science. My dad's body went to Baylor in Houston, when my mom dies, I believe that her body will go there also. If you wish, they will return the cremated ashes to you.

I am an organ donor, although I don't think I have many viable organs left, I should look into whether being an organ donor makes you ineligible to leave your body to science.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: collinsmark and Greg Bernhardt
I have a cast iron stomach, maybe science can do something with that. Otherwise, I've used up all my other organs, I am honestly amazed I'm still kicking.
 
I'm a designated organ donor on my California Driver's License. If I die in a car crash, they can harvest some good stuff. If I die in a motorcycle crash (not going to happen), nothing will be worth harvesting.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ProfuselyQuarky
I'm not talking organ donation to another person, but for science experiments etc
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
I'm not talking organ donation to another person, but for science experiments etc
Like being a cadaver for medical school students? Or have you done something to your body that would highly interest scientists... :biggrin:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Greg Bernhardt
berkeman said:
If I die in a motorcycle crash (not going to happen), nothing will be worth harvesting.
I have a good story here, but I'm not going to say it . . .
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1oldman2 and berkeman
No way. I've seen how freshman med students treat dead bodies. Very little respect.

Organ donation is fine with me though...
 
  • #10
Way yes! It appeals to me. If it could be put to constructive use rather than be a total burden on the environment and not cost my family then I'm in. If I do, however, I will finally have to get a tattoo. It will be a dotted line with the words "cut here."
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 256bits, Evo and berkeman
  • #11
It would depend on my circumstances I think. If I had some rare medical feature, then probably. Otherwise, I'm hoping the technology/cost will be low enough to send my ashes into the depth of space. My organs I certainly plan on donating though (I'm hoping by the time that I actually die however, organ cloning is advanced our species beyond the need for human donors.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
7K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
53K