What is body donation?
Body donation is where a person’s body is given to a body donor program and / or a licensed anatomical facility either following the person’s written consent prior to their death or with the consent of their senior available next of kin after their death.
What is a body donation program?
In NSW a body donation program is usually organised through a university or medical research facility.
How do I find out if there is a body donor program near me?
Contact your nearest university, hospital or medical research facility.
Who can donate a body to medical science or research?
Under the Anatomy Act 1977, a person who wishes to donate their body must provide consent for the donation in writing before their death. Alternatively, the senior available next of kin is able to provide consent in writing after death, provided that they are not aware that the person would have objected. The executor of a will cannot give consent unless they are also the senior available next of kin.
If the body is at a hospital or forensic institution, a designated officer at that facility must authorise use of the body for anatomical examination.
The Coroner’s consent is needed where the death has been reported to the Coroner.
It is important that you discuss your wishes regarding body donation with your family.
Do donor programs prefer consent from the person or the senior available next of kin?
Body donor programs generally prefer that the person pre-registers their consent so they can monitor the person’s health.
Do all donor programs use the same consent form?
No. Each body donor program has its own consent form.
How long can a donor program keep a body?
Under section 12 of the Anatomy Act 1977, a body can be retained for a maximum of 4 years. Upon application an inspector may authorise the retention of a body for an additional 4 year period. Generally bodies must be appropriately disposed of within 8 years from the date of death of the deceased.
Specific provision has been made in the Anatomy Act for the permanent retention of tissue (anatomical specimens) where written consent has been given by the deceased prior to death. Where no consent has been given and the wishes of the deceased in this respect are unknown, the senior available next of kin may consent to permanent retention of tissue.
This depends on the program. Programs may use bodies for the teaching of medical and health students, training of surgeons in new surgical techniques or for research. Program specific information can be obtained from the individual donor programs.
Can a donor say how they want the body used?
This depends on the program.
Most body donation programs allow you to indicate on the written consent form conditions or terms for use, for example whether you will or will not allow your body or tissues to be used for research.
Program specific information can be obtained from the individual body donor programs.
It is important that you discuss with your family your wishes regarding your body/tissues being used for research.
Are there any costs involved in donating a body?
Usually there are no costs to the donor. Program specific information can be obtained from the individual body donor programs.
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