Willed Body Program
One of the most generous gifts you can make...
One of the most generous gifts you can make is to donate your body for medical education and research. Human bodies are valuable not only for training new physicians but also for conducting medical research and helping specialists develop new techniques.
Today there is a greater need than ever for human bodies for medical education and research. Willed body programs, such as the one at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center™, help meet this need.
In Texas and other states, donating bodies is a widely accepted procedure, and an increasing number of Texas residents are making this contribution to advance medical science and education.
UT Southwestern has a Willed Body Program to facilitate donations. It is the largest of 11 such programs in Texas and is staffed by licensed funeral directors and embalmers.
Willed Body Program – Answers to Common Questions
- What do I need to do to donate my body for medical research?
- Who do you notify of a donor's death?
- Are there cases in which a body is not acceptable for medical research?
- Will my family or next of kin receive any payment for the donation of my body?
- Will there be any charge to me and my family for the donation of my body?
- What happens if I have donated my body to UT Southwestern but I die in another state?
- What happens to my body after studies are completed?
- Can the cremated remains be returned for burial?
- What happens if the return of cremated remains is not requested?
- What if I change my mind after I have agreed to donate my body?
- Can my eyes be donated to the eye bank?
- Can a bequest be made as a codicil to a will?
- Whom should I notify of my bequest?
- Can a financial contribution be made in memory or honor of a loved one?
What do I need to do to donate my body to medical research?
If you are interested in donating your body, you need to have donation paperwork on file with the Willed Body Program at UT Southwestern prior to your passing. This form requires your signature and the signatures of two witnesses.
UT Southwestern can also accept donations of deceased individuals that are not previously signed up with our program prior to passing. These are called "on-the-spot donations." Next of kin may contact the Willed Body Program for approval of such donations at 214-648-2221 or 1-888-905-9991.
Whom should a donor's family notify of a donor's death?
In the event of a donor's death, the family should call the Willed Body Program at 214-648-2221 or toll-free at 1-888-905-9991. Staff members are on call 24 hours a day to receive notification. Funeral homes should not be contacted. Willed Body Program staff will handle all removal arrangements.
Are there cases in which a body is not acceptable for medical research?
The Willed Body Program may decline any body that may not be suitable for scientific or educational purposes. There are a number of situations that may lead to a body not being accepted:
- If the body has been embalmed.
- Cases of a contagious disease such as virulent herpes, hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, or some cases of senile dementia.
- Cases of severe obesity, emaciation, body contracture, or jaundice.
If the Willed Body Program determines that the body is unusable for these or other reasons, survivors will need to make other arrangements for the body's final disposition. The Willed Body Program cannot be responsible for any costs associated with other arrangements.
Will my family or next of kin receive any payment for the donation of my body?
No. Texas law prohibits such payments.
Will there be any charge to me and my family for the donation of my body?
There is no cost to your family for donation. However, a nominal fee may be charged if the place of death is more than 150 miles from UT Southwestern Medical Center. If you reside more than 150 miles from UT Southwestern, there may be a program in your area that our staff can refer you to. Ask one of our associates for more details by calling 214-648-2221.
What happens if I have donated my body to UT Southwestern but I die in another state?
Your family can donate your body to the nearest medical institution located within the state in which the death occurred. The Willed Body Program can provide assistance, if needed.
What happens to my body after studies are completed?
In conformation with state law, all bodies are cremated upon completion of studies.
Can the cremated remains be returned for burial?
The cremated remains may be returned to the next of kin if the request has been made in advance. Your next of kin will be notified by letter of the following options:
- Receive the ashes by certified mail
- Make an appointment to receive the ashes in person
Remains are usually returned within 18 to 24 months.
In some instances, cremated remains may not be available because of the nature of medical research.
You should discuss your wishes with your next of kin and make sure UT Southwestern is kept informed of your decision. Please make sure we always have a current address and phone number for you and your next of kin.
What happens if the return of cremated remains is not requested?
The cremated remains are then interred anonymously in our Memorial Garden, located here on the main campus of UT Southwestern Medical Center.
What if I change my mind after I have agreed to donate my body?
You can rescind your gift by notifying us in writing.
Can my eyes be donated to the eye bank?
Yes, but these arrangements must be made separately with the Transplant Services Center at UT Southwestern, 214-648-2609. We will be glad to honor such requests. Please let us know what steps have been taken toward eye donation.
Can a bequest be made as a codicil to a will?
Yes. You should consult an attorney for details on this; however, for UT Southwestern to accept your body, it must meet our criteria.
Whom should I notify of my bequest?
In addition to notifying UT Southwestern, it is important to notify your next of kin or person acting as such of your wishes. If you have no living kin, please contact our office for additional information.
Can a financial contribution be made in memory or honor of a loved one?
Yes. If someone wishes to make a donation to UT Southwestern in honor or memory of a loved one, send it to:
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Office of Development
P.O. Box 910888
Dallas, TX 75390-0888
Please specify if the donation is intended to support the Willed Body Program or some other aspect of medical research or education.