It’s a very personal decision when someone chooses what they want to happen to their bodies once they die. The good news is that there are no wrong answers; Some might feel very strongly about being buried in the ground next to a loved one in a chosen plot, and others find the thought of cremation more comforting. But one option that isn’t often discussed is donating your body to science.
While a common initial reaction is to think that this is an extreme and intimidating course of action, donating your body to science is not only more common than you might assume, but it also is a noble and beneficial decision. Science Care eloquently explains that donating your body to science means you, the donor, are allowing medical researchers and educators to improve the quality of life for all of us, allowing countless generations to live longer and healthier lives.
If this sounds like an intriguing idea, here are a few things to understand about what happens when you choose to donate your body to science:
It Could Save You Money
While benefiting the medical community at large is the most obvious benefit to donating your body to science, this option also generally means significant cost savings for your loved ones once you pass. According to Considerable.com, on average, families can expect to spend over $7,000 with traditional burial, and a little over $6,000 with cremation. Donating a body to science not only is a beautiful course of action, but it could also decrease the possibility of financial hardship for your nearest and dearest.
You Have to Qualify
Healthline explains that a donation through an accredited organization or nonprofit, such as a university donation program or local hospital, screens potential donors while they are still alive. You’ll be asked extensive medical questions regarding past illnesses and surgeries, possible drug use, and if you’ve ever been diagnosed with a communicable disease. While HIV, hepatitis, severe trauma and obesity may rule out donations to certain institutions, take comfort in the fact that more than 90% of donors who wish to donate their body to science are accepted; Considerable.com explains that being burdened in life with cancer, heart disease, or diabetes does not disqualify you from donation.
You’ll Be Examined Again After Death
If you are approved for donation after your initial exam, your information will be kept on file until you pass away. Once that happens, another medical assessment would be done on your body to ensure that your condition at the time of death meets the chosen program’s requirements. If all goes well, your body would be discreetly transported to the appropriate facility and then immediately embalmed, just as it would at a traditional funeral home.
If the thought of donating your body to science is appealing, then trust your friends at Adolf Funeral Home to guide you through the process with expertise and sensitivity. Adolf Funeral Home and Cremation Services prides itself on providing exemplary customer services. We take every measure to ensure you are satisfied with all your funeral planning and burial needs during this sensitive time of grief and mourning and will do whatever it takes to make our positive workplace environment translate to your experience with us. Adolf Funeral Home has been serving the Berwyn and Willowbrook areas for a number of years. We pride ourselves on being large enough to provide professionalism and reliability, yet small enough to provide personalized service. To discover more about how we can serve your needs, please visit our website or call one of our locations today.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/what-happens-to-your-body-when-its-donated-to-science
https://www.considerable.com/life/death/what-exactly-happens-when-you-donate-your-body-to-science/
https://www.sciencecare.com/how-does-the-body-donation-process-work
https://www.parting.com/blog/body-donation-the-advantages-and-disadvantages/
