A report outlines best practices for human body donation programs for research and education.
A recent report highlighted best practices and standards for human body donation programs throughout the U.S. These programs accept whole-body donations for research and educational purposes after a person’s death. ()
The report, issued by a task force of American Association for Anatomy members, seeks to align body donation programs with evolving societal values and legal frameworks. It aims to maintain the highest ethical standards for donors by upholding the principles of informed consent, oversight, and dignity.
Human Body Donation in the US
After death, individuals can choose to donate their bodies to educational institutions, hospitals, or research organizations, helping to train medical professionals and improve healthcare outcomes. The donated bodies are used for anatomy studies, surgical training, and research into diseases and treatments.
Body donation programs are governed by strict ethical standards and guidelines to ensure respect and proper handling of the donated remains. These donations provide invaluable resources for understanding the human body and advancing scientific knowledge.
The report emphasizes the importance of ensuring potential donors and their families fully understand the donation process, stressing the need for public education and transparent engagement.
“We hold a profound moral and ethical responsibility to honor the selfless contributions of our body donors, and this document represents a significant step towards fulfilling their wishes with the highest standards of ethical care,” said corresponding author Joy Y. Balta, MSc, MEd, PhD, of Point Loma Nazarene University.
Reference:
- Human body donation program’s best practices and recommended standards: A task force report from the American Association for Anatomy – (https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ase.2520)
Source-Eurekalert
