Anatomical Gift Program

Information & Support

For information and support related to the news about a former HMS employee in our Anatomical Gift Program, please visit our Resources webpage, which includes a link to the report by an independent panel of experts appointed by Harvard University.

Family members and next of kin can visit our Family Resources webpage or call our tollfree information and support line at 1-888-268-1129.

Reporters and members of the news media can send inquiries to hm_media_relations@hms.harvard.edu or call 617-432-0442.

HMS Quad in Spring

The Need for Donations

The study of the human body is an indispensable component of medical and dental education and research, enabling the advancement of medical and dental science and therapy. Every year, HMS needs anatomical donations for the education of medical and dental students, postgraduate physicians, and students of related disciplines. Private donation is the only source of Harvard Medical School’s anatomical gifts.

Who Can Donate?

Any person of sound mind who is over 18 years of age can register to donate his/her body for education, research, and the advancement of medical and dental science or therapy (Chapter 113, §§ 7-14 of the General Laws of Massachusetts). There is no age limit for those who wish to donate. 

How to Make a Donation

In accordance with the Massachusetts Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, an individual may arrange for the donation of his/her remains by executing the Instrument of Anatomical Gift. To be valid, the instrument must be signed by two witnesses. The original instrument should be sent to Harvard Medical School, after which you will be registered in the program and will receive your letter of acknowledgement and donor card. You may withdraw your donation at any time by notifying our program in writing of your change of intention. Massachusetts law prohibits payment for a body donation.

When Death Occurs

At the time of the donor’s death, the person responsible for making final arrangements should call Harvard Medical School at 617-432-1735 as soon as possible to determine if HMS can accept the donation. HMS must receive donor remains within 24 hours after death unless specific exemption is granted by HMS. A body that has been autopsied or embalmed cannot be accepted for donation.

Once a gift is accepted, a funeral director chosen by the family should be contacted and instructed to consult HMS for instructions about the transportation of the body. HMS will pay a stipend directly to the funeral director toward the costs of transportation from the place of death to HMS and obtaining the Burial/Removal Permit and a certified copy of the Death Certificate.The funeral director will be reimbursed only for the cost of these services according to the policy and levels of reimbursement established by HMS. The donor’s estate will be responsible for any costs charged by the funeral director that exceed the stipend. If death occurs outside of Massachusetts, Harvard’s stipend to the funeral director will apply; however, any additional out-of-state travel expenses will fall to the donor’s estate.

In general, families are encouraged to discuss with the funeral director, before the remains come to HMS, whether and to what extent there may be additional charges.

When Studies are Complete

Within a period of up to approximately 24 months, when studies are complete, Harvard Medical School will carry out the disposition of the remains as elected on the Instrument of Anatomical Gift, to the extent consistent with the current policy of Harvard Medical School. The options available at the present time are:

  • To reclaim the remains at the expense of the estate or family for private burial.
  • To request that the School arrange for cremation. Cremated remains can be returned to the donor’s designee, picked up by the donor’s designee at HMS or buried at Pine Hill Cemetery, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, in a registered grave; both options are available at Harvard Medical School’s expense. A memorial service for donors buried at Pine Hill Cemetery takes place each year in the fall.

Alternative Arrangements

Acceptance of an anatomical gift is contingent upon the decision of Harvard Medical School at the time of death of the donor. Harvard Medical School reserves the right, at any time, to decline a particular anatomical gift for any reason.

The School has an ongoing need for donations and carefully reviews all possibilities for utilizing donations for purposes of education, research and the advancement of medical or dental science or therapy. Although most anatomical donations are accepted at the time of death, a donor (or donor family) should plan alternative arrangements for private cremation and/or burial in the event a donation must be declined.

 

Registration

Frequently Asked Questions

 

We thank you for your interest in this gift to medical education and research.