Frequently Asked Questions

Who may donate to the Willed Body Program?

Any person over 18 years of age may enroll as a body donor. There is no upper age limit. There are some restrictions and conditions that may preclude acceptance of a donation. These include (but are not limited to): autopsy; embalming; obesity; major trauma; sepsis; advanced decomposition; contagious, drug-resistant diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis, Jacob-Kreutzfeld disease, MRSA etc.

Must I be a full-time resident of Arizona to enroll?

It is not necessary to be a full-time resident of Arizona in order to enroll. However, the program can accommodate only those deaths that occur within the State of Arizona. If death occurs outside of Arizona, the family should contact the nearest medical school for information on a body donation program in that area. If you spend a significant amount of time in another state, it is a good idea to enroll in a program in that area.

Is it necessary to fill out paperwork to enroll?

It is necessary to complete a Personal Information Form, a brief Medical Questionnaire, and a Certificate of Donation. After completing the forms, send them to: Willed Body Program, Cell Biology & Anatomy, P.O. Box 245044, Tucson, AZ 85724-5044. You should receive your Body Donor Card in about two weeks.

Do I have to state my wish to donate my body in my will?

No, that is not necessary. Completion of donation forms is sufficient for body donation.

Do I need permission from my family members to donate my body?

Your family should be informed of your wish to donate your body. The University will not accept a body over family objections.

Who should be notified at the time of my death?

Once your forms have been processed, you will receive a Body Donor Card to carry with you. It is a good idea to give copies of your card to a family member and to your medical caretaker. A family member or medical caretaker should call the number listed on the card at the time of your death.

How does my body get to the University of Arizona College of Medicine?

For deaths occurring in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, we will make arrangements to have the body transported. For deaths occurring outside of Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, the local funeral director will coordinate transportation with the Director of the Willed Body Program.

What will my body be used for?

Bodies donated to the Willed Body Program are utilized for medical education and, to a lesser extent, for research purposes. Most bodies will be utilized at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. A small number will be transferred to Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University, or some other college in Arizona.

How long will my body be used?

The time involved can vary from as short as one or two months to as long as two years. Typically, the amount of time needed for completion of studies is approximately 18 months.

Will my family receive a report of your findings?

No. No reports are prepared since we do not conduct autopsies. The bodies are used for medical education, and no record of findings is kept.

What happens to my body after all the studies have been completed?

Each body that is used by the Willed Body Program will be cremated after completion of studies.

Can my cremated remains be returned to my family?

There is a section at the end of the Certificate of Donation where you can designate someone (a family member, friend, cemetery) to receive your cremated remains. Please be sure to keep us updated with current contact information for this designated person.

What will happen to my remains if I do not designate someone to receive them?

The remains will eventually be placed in mausoleum space at East Lawn Palms Cemetery in Tucson. This arrangement has been made possible by the generous donation of the family of one of our donors.(*see question below)

Can I sell my body to science?

No. This false rumor is extremely persistent. Selling of bodies and parts thereof is prohibited by law.
At no time does the University of Arizona sell or profit from the use of anatomical donations

Are there any charges or fees involved in body donation?

As of January 1, 2007, for deaths occurring in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, there is no cost to the family for transporting the body to the College of Medicine in Tucson. For deaths occurring anywhere in Arizona outside of Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County, the donor’s family or executor will notify a local funeral establishment to arrange for filing the death certificate and for storage/transportation of the body to the College of Medicine in Tucson. Costs associated with such services are the responsibility of the donor’s family and will be paid by the family directly to the funeral establishment.

Who arranges for the transportation of my body to the College of Medicine?

Once the Director of the Willed Body Program has been notified of the death of a donor in Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County and has determined that the body is appropriate for donation, the Director will make the necessary arrangements for the body to be transported at no cost. For deaths occurring in all other counties of Arizona (except Maricopa, Pima, or Pinal County), the donor’s family or executor will contact a local funeral director. The funeral director will contact the Director of the Willed Body Program to determine whether the donor’s body is appropriate for donation. If the body is accepted into the Willed Body Program, the family will make arrangements with the funeral establishment to file the death certificate and store/transport the body to the College of Medicine in Tucson. Costs associated with such services are the responsibility of the donor’s family and will be paid by the family directly to the funeral establishment.

What should my family do about a funeral service?

It will not be possible for your family to have a funeral service with your body present. However, a memorial service without the body present would be appropriate. Your family may arrange such a service at a place of their choice.

What happens if I enroll in the program and then the University does not accept my body when I die?

We seldom decline to accept the body of an enrolled donor. However, it is a good idea to have an alternative plan in place for a cremation or traditional funeral.

Will my organs and tissues be used to help people who need transplants?

No. Our program is a whole body program, created for the purpose of medical education. A body will not be accepted into our program if organs or tissues are removed at the time of death. If you prefer to donate your organs and tissues for transplant purposes, contact Donor Network of Arizona at 1(800)943-6667 or see www.dnaz.org

Is body donation against my religion?

Most religions approve of body donation. If you are unsure of the position of your religion, consult your spiritual advisor.

*Can my friends and relatives make contributions to the Willed Body Program in my memory?

Survivors may make donations in your memory. Please make donations payable to “University of Arizona, Cell Biology & Anatomy” and mail to the Willed Body Program, P.O. Box 245044, Tucson AZ 85724-5044. All gifts will be acknowledged by the Willed Body Program.