Who is donating body parts to science after death?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of donating body parts or whole bodies to science after death, particularly in the context of organ donation and cadaver use for educational purposes. Participants share personal experiences, opinions, and considerations regarding the implications and motivations for such donations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express interest in donating their bodies or organs to science, viewing it as a way to contribute positively after death.
  • Others mention personal circumstances that might affect their decision, such as the condition of their organs or the nature of their death.
  • A participant shares that both of their parents donated their bodies to science, indicating a familial tradition of such donations.
  • Concerns are raised about the treatment of cadavers by medical students, with one participant expressing discomfort with how bodies are handled in educational settings.
  • Some participants differentiate between organ donation for transplantation and donating bodies for scientific research or education.
  • One participant humorously suggests they would need a tattoo indicating where to cut if they were to donate their body.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for having their ashes sent into space rather than donating their body, depending on future technological advancements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus among participants regarding the decision to donate bodies or organs to science. Various viewpoints and personal circumstances lead to differing opinions on the matter.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the eligibility for body donation if they are also organ donors, and there are varying opinions on the respect given to cadavers in educational settings.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals considering body or organ donation, those curious about the implications of such decisions, and participants in medical or scientific fields.

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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!
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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:
 
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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 . . .
 
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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."
 
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  • #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.)
 

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