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 a will form on file with the Willed Body Program at UT Southwestern. This form requires your signature and the signatures
of two witnesses.

In some cases, UT Southwestern also accepts donations of deceased individuals who do not have a will form on file. These are called "on-the-spot donations." Next of kin may contact the Willed Body Program for approval of such donations.

Return to Top

Who do you 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 be called only if a staff member of the program deems that necessary under unusual circumstances.

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 conditions for which a body may not be accepted:

• A body cannot be used if embalmed or if an excessive length of time has elapsed since death.
• A body may not be acceptable if open wounds or ulcerations are present.
• A body may not be acceptable if a contagious disease such as virulent herpes, hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis or some cases of senile dementia.
• A body also may be unusable due to severe obesity, emaciation, body contracture, or jaundice.

In cases in which 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.

Return to Top

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?

Donors families will not incur any charges for donating to our Willed Body Program.

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 with the latter, if needed.

What happens to my body after studies are completed?

In conformation with anatomical state law, all bodies are cremated upon completion of studies.

Can the cremated remains be returned for burial?

Return to Top

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:

• receiving the ashes by certified mail;
• making an appointment to receive the ashes in person or hand-delivered.

This usually occurs within twelve to eighteen months although it occasionally may be longer.

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.

Return to Top

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 the university.

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 the criteria for our program.

Whom should I notify of my bequest?

In addition to notifying UT Southwestern, it is important to notify your next of kin of your wishes. If you have no living kin, please notify your physician.

Return to Top

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 75391-0888

Please specify if the donation is intended to support the Willed Body Program or some other aspect of medical research or education.

Return to Top