Donating Your Body to Science

Willed Body Program

As you are planning for the future, and for the future of your family, you might also consider a larger picture. One of the most generous gifts that an individual or family can make is to donate one’s body for anatomical education and research. Willed body donation for anatomical education and research has existed for over one hundred years in Texas and has benefited countless generations. This unique gift helps students discover the complexity of the human body and become better health care providers, by advancing their medical knowledge. In addition the gift of body donation aids specialists in developing new procedures, while keeping their current skills sharp, insuring they are providing the best care for their patients.

Health Science Center Cadaver Donation Information

Please review the Willed Body Program Information Packet and frequently asked questions for additional information. The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Willed Body Program only receives consented donors. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you are interested in beginning this process for yourself or a loved one. We have placed the necessary forms for registration on this page for your convenience.

Donating Your Body or a Loved One’s Body for Research

Individuals wishing to donate their body for research must complete the Willed Body Donation Packet. Please note that submission of this packet does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as all donors must be pre-screened and approved by a Willed Body Program staff member.

Attestation Requirements:

Self-Donor (prior to death): The individual planning to donate must complete and sign the Attestation section under “Self-Donor,” with signatures from two adult witnesses.

What to expect next:

After the processing of paperwork is completed, an acknowledgment letter and donor card will be mailed (please allow up to 15 days).
If a funeral home is chosen to be involved at any stage, all associated costs are the responsibility of the family or estate.
Donors may remain in our care for up to 24 months during the study.
After studies are complete, the donor will be cremated.
If the return of cremated remains is requested, WBP will contact the designated recipient to make arrangements. This service is provided at no cost to the family.

Next-of-Kin Donor (at time of death): If death has already occurred, the legal next of kin must complete and sign the Next of Kin portion of the Attestation section, along with signatures from two adult witnesses. Please email documents to ensure expedition of the donation.

Willed Body Donation Packet(A copy of all completed documents should be mailed to the Willed Body Program for file completion.)

In memory of those who have given of themselves so, that others may live in health and happiness.

Epitaph Honoring Our Donors

Willed Body Memorial Ceremony

The need for willed body donors for anatomical sciences education and research has never been greater. Willed Body Programs, such as the one here at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Institute of Anatomical Sciences helps meet this need. The donation of bodies for education is not a new concept, West Texas, Panhandle and Eastern New Mexico families have been contributing to our future generations for over 50 years. There is an increasing number of individuals making this contribution to advance education and research. Like other programs in Texas, ours is governed by the State Anatomical Board of Texas.

The mission of the Anatomical Board is to facilitate the distribution of deceased human remains for the purpose of education and research. In doing so, the Board protects the interests of the donors and their families by requiring that only authorized educational and medical institutions receive human remains, and that the remains are treated with dignity and respect.