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; however, please note that submitting these forms does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as all donors must be pre-screened and approved by a Willed Body Program staff member. The forms must be printed, signed by the donor and two adult witnesses, and the original documents mailed to our office for review and approval.

For those wishing to donate a loved one, next-of-kin donation is reserved for time-of-death situations and requires the signature of the immediate next of kin along with two adult witnesses. A copy of the completed Willed Body Donation Packet must be emailed or faxed to the Willed Body Program, and the original forms must also be mailed to finalize the process.

Willed Body Donation Packet

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.

Willed Body Program

Health Science Center Cadaver Donation Information

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

Epitaph Honoring Our Donors

Willed Body Memorial Ceremony

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