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 245045, Tucson, AZ 85724-5045. 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?

Once we have been notified, we will make the arrangements to have your body transported to the College of Medicine.

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, or at The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Campus. A small number will be used to support medical of allied health education throughout the State of 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?

Yes, there is a body transportation fee for transporting the body from the place of death to the College of Medicine at The University of Arizona. This fee is subject to change. For questions regarding the current transportation fees, please contact the Willed Body Program. {Fees are now waived for deaths occurring in Pima, Pinal, and Maricopa Counties.}

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

For deaths occurring within counties of Pima, Pinal or Maricopa, upon notification of death, The University will make all necessary arrangements. For deaths occurring outside of those counties, please contact a local funeral home or mortuary for assistance.

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?

Yes. Any such gifts will be acknowledged by the Willed Body Program.