Willed Body Program

The last post-mortem option I want to mention is the Willed Body Program or what is better known as “donating your body to medical science”. Studying the human body and its structure lends valuable information and insight to scientists and medical researchers in understanding and treating illnesses and finding cures for disease. Because the use of a body in anatomical studies requires preservation immediately after death, it is not possible to have a traditional funeral service. Many families have a memorial service without having the body present. Once the study is complete, the remains are cremated and either returned to a family member or placed in a memorial garden or interred in accordance with state law. A person must be at least eighteen years of age and competent to make such a bequest.