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Why have people become reluctant to donate?

Public misperception of the difference between anatomy and pathology partly explains some people's reluctance to donate their bodies to medical science.

For example, there was a clear reduction in the number of bodies donated, during 2000 and 2001, following the discovery that body parts had been retained without consent, by the Pathology department at Bristol's Children's Hospital and Alder Hay Hospital Liverpool.

There was another reduction in donations following the TV series 'Anatomy for Beginners' which featured public anatomy demonstrations.

On both occasions, some intending donors specifically withdrew citing these events as the reason for withdrawing.

Lack of information

However, there is also evidence that there are large numbers of people who do wish donate their bodies to support the anatomical training of medical students, and medical research but simply do not know how.

Articles in the press in May and August 2005 which highlighted the shortage of body donations, led to a flood of enquiries from people who would be willing to donate their bodies, but who simply did not know how to go about it.

Body donations and the law

There are strict laws governing body donation. In the 1990's medical schools accepted very few bodies without the personal request of the donor. Since 2000, no bodies have been accepted unless the donor has asked for this.

The 2004 Human Tissue Act will further strengthen the controls of body donation, as the Act requires the consent of the donor to be both written and witnessed.

Provided a donated body is accepted, medical schools may hold the body for up to three years. During this limited period, the body will be used to teach medical students the internal structure and design of the human body. 

What happens to donated bodies?

Provided the death has been registered and there is a consent form signed by the donor and held by a medical school, or a donation statement in the Will, the 'person in possession of the body' usually the next of kin, will contact the relevant medical school who will ask questions about the cause of death.

Not all bodies that are donated are suitable. However, provided there are no medical reasons against donation (e.g. a post mortem examination, severe deformity, hepatitis or dementia) the school may accept the body, for 'anatomical examination or research', but for a period limited by law to three years.

During the time the school holds the body, it will be used to teach medical students, dentists, trainee surgeons and other health professionals the internal structure and design. This involves detailed separation of the tissues and organs through dissection. Separated parts of the body will be brought together before the body is cremated or buried within three years from the date of death.

If the donor, before death, or the next of kin after death give, their agreement 'parts' of the body may be retained for longer than three years. Written agreement confirmed by the next of kin is mandatory before any part can be retained. Approximately, two-thirds of donors agree, in advance, to retention of parts beyond three years.

The particular details for donations to each medical school are set out in the documents, which the donor is asked to read before 'signing up', as an intending body donor.  These documents are detailed so that donors and their relatives understand what is involved. If the donor has any questions, these will be answered by the bequeathal secretary at the relevant medical school. 

The donor is free to withdraw consent at any time. Under the present law, the next of kin can also decide not to activate the donation.

Most donors take the view 'I don't mind what you do with my body after I have gone' and many say so in their letters requesting donation forms.

How to donate a body for medical science

Potential body donors should contact the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) who will put them in touch with their local medical school. The HTA can be contacted at the following address: