Donating my Body to Science
By Amber
@AmbiePam (93893)
United States
November 29, 2007 10:45pm CST
This is something I have thought about. I'm not a healthy person although I don't expect to die in the immediate future. When specialists were searching for answers to my health problems, I had one tell me it was so exciting for me to be at his hospital. I of course asked why. He replied that they had never seen the kind of symptoms I was having all together. That I was a complete mystery with the contradictions of blood tests and what they could tell from other medical tests.
Well, this didn't flatter me of course. LOL, neither did it offend me. I didn't much care I was so tired. But it did make me think about donating my body to science. This week downtown there will be a science exhibit of real deceased humans. They have been peeled down to their tissues, and the purpose is to show with real props how our body works. I think schools are taking kids down there for a field trip, but for the student's sake I hope they are older students.
Now I really think in the end I will not have my body donated, mostly because my family would fight it. But what about you guys? Would you donate your body to science? Do you know of any people who made arrangements to donate their body for this function?
6 people like this
12 responses
@supriyorajj (169)
• India
30 Nov 07
Well a lot depends upon the faction you belong to.There are peoples especially when you get to taste the Indian culture who shall be at their utmost displeasure of such doning stuffs of the bodies.Well but then that definitely is the issue over here.As far as the science is concerned,it has definitely paced up with think tanks and the brainchild of your accords.I hope the mission continues and the research scientists get to learn and decipher a lot more from the experiences of you for the posterity.
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (93893)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I'm a Christian, and most Christians think it against their beliefs. But the Bible says once we die our souls go to Heaven. So why would my earthly body be so important? I doubt I would actually donate my body, other than my organs, but I see the point of why some people do. Yes, in India I know they are very strong in their Hindu beliefs, correct? And donating a body to science would be really bad in that religions eyes, right? I completely understand why people would find it wrong.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
I don't know anyone who made arrangements, but I personally won't mind donating my organs. My husband would go against it but what if there are people in need? The only thing wrong with me is that I am anemic, it's under control now and then I am underweight. That's it. If that's not healthy then I guess whatever bugs live close to my coffin will get another free meal later on
@AmbiePam (93893)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I'm anemic as well. And I am going to donate my organs as well, but in this case I'm talking more about donating your entire body. Like if a person has dementia and donates their brain, scientists use that brain to try to find new information for a dementia patient.
1 person likes this
@laurika (4532)
• United States
6 Dec 07
Hi ambie, this is good discussion. I was actually thinking about this for very long time. And I think I would like to donate my body to the science, i think it would help students and not only them I am sure it can safe some life too. But actually it is hard to decide soemthgn like that and I believe I might change my opinion. But for now I think it will the best what I can do with my body.
@bong_domingo (878)
• Philippines
1 Dec 07
nah, just the thought of it makes me feel weird :-) just the thought of being experimented just doesn't seem right :-)
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
I think if thats what you want to do then go for it. have you ever seen the Bodyworks exhibition? Its an art/science exhibition in which the inner layers of bodies and muscles are shown. the bodies are treated. The bodies are from people who donated their bodies to science.
Personally I won't do it. I have specific beliefs.
@AmbiePam (93893)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I think that is the exhibit that is being shown downtown. I understand it being against people's beliefs. I am a Christian, and most Christians would be very much against it. But when I die, I'll not longer be in my body, and if I could help a medical breakthrough to save someone else, it would be wonderful. In the end, I doubt I do it, but I like to consider all my options. Thanks for your input. : )
1 person likes this
@Monkeyrose (2840)
• Canada
30 Nov 07
Yes I saw the exhibition in germany. It came to my home town in canada 3 years later.
I understand your view, as my mom feels the same way. She's an organ doner.
I have mixed feelings about the medical community and science though. I think they have gone too far is some respects and are not obeying the natural order of things. We cannot live forever! I want my body to be burried so that I can decompose and become part of the earth and then reinvented in other lifeforms.
I am not christian.
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
30 Nov 07
Hi Pam I honestly havent even thought about donating my body to science. But hey I think its great if thats how you feel. Im not too sure I would do that I would have to seriously think about that one. I do think its a wonder learning experience for the students.
1 person likes this
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
20 Jan 08
no, I definately will not. I do not want my body dismembered or shown off. I have heard some really disturbing stories on how cadavers are abused and disrespected. my body will be a vessel in which the Holy Ghost once resided as such it deserves to be treated honorably.
@ChaJudLeoBit (1656)
• United States
19 Jan 08
My best friend's mother wants to donate her body to a school or something. I got to see two cadavers once while in Biology class and would NEVER want to do that. They were naked and so exposed to the world and everyone who wanted to play with their heart and brains. It just seemed so... I don't know, just lacking dignity. Now I'd like to donate my body parts to save others who need them. I would definatly do that.
1 person likes this
@KarenO52 (2950)
• United States
30 Nov 07
I don't think there'd be anything wrong with donating my body to science, especially if it could help in being educational. It bothers me though, to think about it, and I wouldn't donate it without knowing exactly what would happen. I know it shouldn't matter, it just kind of creeps me out. I remember being in a museum where I saw the remains of a young American Indian woman on display. It made me sad, thinking that she should be with the rest of her family. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if the remains would be returned to a proper place, like with family after a certain amount of time.
1 person likes this
@Flight84 (3048)
• United States
1 Dec 07
I don't think I would simply because I know my family would fight it too. I don't think they would even if it truly was my final wish. I can understand though. My husband would want my body with his. I admire people that are willing to donate their bodies. I have a friend that wants to have her body donated to science when she passes. I hope that they are older students too by the way!
1 person likes this
@3lilangels (4639)
• United States
30 Nov 07
well i never really thought about this until i read this so maybe i would i'm really not sure but i thinks it's a great idea for the people that do.have a great weekend.pattie
