How to Donate to Generations
- What happens to my body?
- Who can donate?
- How can I donate my body for medical research and education?
- What is the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act?
- Will any of my body parts be sold for profit?
- If I have made a bequest of my body for medical research and education, can I rescind my bequest?
- What is the cost to my family?
- Is a viewing or funeral still possible?
- What is process if death occurs in the hospital, at home or at a nursing home facility?
- Will my body automatically be accepted? If not, why might a donation be rejected?
- How long will my body be used for educational and research purposes?
- What is the final disposition of the body?
What happens to my body?
The use of cadavers is regulated by the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. Once the remains arrive at the MERIN facility, bodies are specially prepared for long-lasting preservation. All donations made to the Generations Program will stay in Southern Nevada and benefit both medical students learning anatomy and surgeons from around the world learning advanced surgical techniques.
Who can donate?
Almost anyone can donate for medical research and education. Unlike individual organ donation, disease and age do not necessarily eliminate an individual from being accepted as a donor.
How can I donate my body for medical research and education?
Donation is easy to arrange through the Generations Anatomical Donation Program. Contact a MERIN counselor to discuss your wishes. The counselor will provide you with the necessary paperwork. Remember that an organ/tissue donor card is separate from the permission required for whole body donation. Be sure to include family members and appropriate medical and legal representatives in discussions regarding your desire to donate your body for medical research and education. Include your wishes in living wills or other documents that give power of attorney to medical decisions so that responsible parties are all aware of your final wishes.
What is the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act?
The 1968 Uniform Anatomical Gift Act established guidelines for the bequest of the human body. In part it states, “Any individual of sound mind and 18 years of age or more may give all or any part of his body for any purposes specified, the gift to take effect upon death. Any accredited medical or dental school, college or university may become a donee of gifts of bodies for education, research, advancement of medical or dental science or therapy.”
Will any of my body parts be sold for profit?
No. Federal law forbids profiting from the sale of body parts. MERIN has established ethical procedures which ensure that all individuals are treated with due respect.
If I have made a bequest of my body for medical research and education, can I rescind my bequest?
Yes. A bequest is not a legally binding document. It can be rescinded in writing or verbally in the presence of your physician.
What is the cost to my family?
There is no cost to the deceased family in regard to the donation.
MERIN and the Generations Anatomical Donation Program serve as a conduit between donors and the medical research, training and educational community.
MERIN assumes responsibility for all aspects of the donation process. Further, there is no cost associated with donating your body to the Generations Program. MERIN covers all costs associated with the Generations Anatomical Donation Program, including:
- Transportation to the MERIN facility from the place of death.
- Filing of the Death Certificate.
- Cremation.
- Annual Memorial Service to commemorate the precious gifts that donors have given.
The family does remain responsible for obtaining copies of the death certificate and the cost of medical care prior to death.
Is a viewing or funeral still possible?
Many families choose to conduct a memorial service. However, since a special preparation is necessary for medical research, a viewing is not possible.
What is process if death occurs in the hospital, at home or at a nursing home facility?
If death occurs in a hospital or at home and the patient is not a candidate for organ donation, the Next of Kin will be notified by a MERIN Family Services Counselor of the patient’s potential for whole body donation. Once the family consents to donation, a MERIN representative will coordinate the entire donation process.
Because deaths that occur in Nursing Homes are not required by Federal Law to be called into Nevada Donor Network, family members can contact the MERIN if they wish to make a donation to the Program.
Will my body automatically be accepted? If not, why might a donation be rejected?
The decision to accept or reject a donation is made at the time of death. Donations may be declined due to medical history that includes the diagnosis of Hepatitis B or C and/or HIV.
How long will my body be used for educational and research purposes?
MERIN may retain donors for as long as 2 years.
What is the final disposition of the body?
All donors will be cremated. Donors or their families can choose whether to have the cremains returned to the family or scattered.