Watch CBS News

Legally Donating Your Body To Science

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Is it legal to donate your body to science?

Courthouse News Service reported last month that "The University of Texas at Austin said most of the dozens of brains it thought it had lost were properly disposed of in 2002."

Um. Phew? Ew? Huh? Braaaaaaiiinnns. Sorry. How often do you get to say that?

According to the article, brains not suitable for research or teaching had been retained in jars in a secure location until a biological waste contractor (probably not named Igor) had properly disposed of them.

You know, you hear about people donating their body to science. Turns out it actually happens. And there are laws about it.

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act governs the donation of cadavers for science. You can donate your body by preregistering the donation with a medical organization and sign a consent form, or if your family is dedicated to medical research or really really mad at you, your body can be donated after your death.

It's illegal for a medical organization to pay for a donation, although the medical organization will pay for the costs incurred in transporting the body and can arrange for the death certificate.

If you're thinking of doing it, it's wise to inform your family in advance so they can carry out your wishes. And not wonder ten years later: Hey whatever happened to that guy and his brains?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.