When cadavers are no longer useful teaching tools, they are cremated.
Living persons may choose to donate their own bodies to science, and next-of-kin may choose, after a person's death, to donate family member's body to medical research. The 1978 Public Acts of Michigan state that any person of sound mind and body may choose to donate their body to a medical institution. The University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University each have programs dedicated to medical research with cadavers. These programs rely on anatomical donations because federal law prohibits the purchase of human remains.
Instructions
Self Donation
1. Contact the university of your choice to inform them of your decision to donate a body (telephone numbers are listed below).
2. Complete the required forms to request body donation. Required forms may include a release authorizing access to your complete medical records.
3. Inform next-of-kin and the executor of your will that you will be donating your body to an educational institution.
4. Provide your attorney, your next-of-kin and your doctor with copies of your consent forms to ensure your final wishes are respected.
Next-of-kin Donation
5. Contact the university of your choice as soon as possible after your family member's death (telephone numbers are listed below).
6. Provide the university with proof that you have the legal right to donate your family member's body. The state of Michigan allows next-of-kin to donate a body.
7. Complete the required donation forms.
8. Meet the university representative as soon as possible to increase the chances that they will accept your gift.
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