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.

I want to donate my body for research

Keep in mind completion of the forms does NOT constitute acceptance into our program. All donors MUST be pre-screened for approval by a Willed Body Program staff member. The forms should be printed and signed by the donor and two adult witnesses. The originals forms should be mailed to our office for review and approval of registration.

Willed Body Self Donation Form

I want to donate a loved one for research

Donation of next of kin is reserved for time of death donation and must be signed by the immediate next of kin and two adult witnesses. A copy of the completed next of kin donation forms must be faxed or emailed to the Willed Body Program. Original forms must be mailed to the Willed Body Program to complete the process.

Willed Body Next of Kin Donation Form

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.