Parents decided to leave their bodies to science

*zippy*

Hi all :hello:

My parents have announced that they are leaving their bodies to science when they die. It seems to be quite out of the blue and I don't know how much thought they have put into it. They tell me its money saving, your helping train future doctors and its only a shell etc

I'm a only child and I have to admit I feel upset about it, I can totally understand organ donation, but not being able to bury your parents must make grieving very different.

Would you feel the same? And should I voice my concerns?

Would appreciate some opinions as I don't know alot about it TBH, but it just seems drastic.

inkie

I was having this discussion with my auntie a couple of months ago, as she has decided to do the same. She was saying that her children felt a bit funny about it to start with, but after a while they came to terms with it.
My aunts reasons for doing it were that it would help people to learn, and as far as she was concerned this would be a better use of her body after she has gone, than it rotting away (her words).
As there would not be a funeral, a service of thanksgiving can be held. My personal view would follow the lines of the body being a shell, but that's probably due to my christian view point.

tanith

It wouldn't bother me at all as I never feel the need to visit the cemetary where my parents and sister are buried as they are not there but they are in my head. There is nothing stopping you having a memorial/celebration of their life service and keeping someone alive with your memories is so much better I feel than sitting in a cemetary . JMO...

pboae

You might find these sites useful

http://www.hta.gov.uk/about_hta/donating_a_body_to_medical_science.cfm

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/DH_4120899

Bodies donated to medical schools are cremated eventually (I think after about 3 years, but I am not 100% sure) and the next of kin can usually ask to have the ashes returned to them at that time. If you would find that comforting.

EdInvestor

More info

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Aboutus/MinistersandDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/DH_4120899

moanymoany

My husband and myself have decided to do the same. We feel that in our lives we have benefited hugely - as have our families - from the skills of doctors. This is our way of giving something back. Our children know and don't seem too bothered.

I don't see what your problem is, the alternatives are cremated or buried, neither sound exactly nicer to me. A nice party and a remembrance service if that's your bag. Next time you or someone you love need medical treatment give a thought to the people whose bodies have made it possible.

snowmaid

I think its great what your parents are doing. Very practical ! Why make funeral parlours rich through overpriced coffins, car hire, flowers etc, when you can serve a need in science? The body is just going to rot where it could be helping a child become an excellent doctor.

Actually, I haven't thought about this you know! Thanks for the idea! Will chat to my mom! :rotfl: :rotfl:

wendym

There is some confusion about what eventually happens.

A friend of mine had a memorial service, and was very surprised to be contacted some years later, and told 'you can now collect the remains and organise a funeral'.

arthur_dent_2

Seeing as we do not have the english equivalent of the american body farm, (lots of dead bodies being used in very hands on forensic experiments. e.g. being left to rot in a boot of a car.) this is exactly what I intend to do. You are not the mass of chemistry that makes up our remains, you are much more than that you are a soul, a life, imo once you are dead that is gone and nothing remains but a shell. What happens to the soul is a completely different discussion.

For the record my husband has a completely different opinion and says he would like to be bueried in the traditonal manner.

snowmaid

wendym wrote: »

There is some confusion about what eventually happens.

A friend of mine had a memorial service, and was very surprised to be contacted some years later, and told 'you can now collect the remains and organise a funeral'.

What?!?!?!? :eek: :eek:

Penny_Watcher

The law has probably changed now, but 20 years ago my Gran wanted to donate her body to medical science (as it happened she couldn't).

I seem to remember there were various rules, including that there were to be no recent wounds on the body e.g. bed sores, recent operation scars, wounds that you might have died from - something to do with making it more difficult to preserve the cadaver.

After 12 months what remained of the body would be returned to the family for burial/cremation.

Don't know what the rules are now though.