Leaving my body to science. How would you respond to those who think it was a bad decision?

Just because you've successfully filled out and filed your body donation paperwork doesn't mean you're all set. You need to update your will to stipulate the program details of the body donation. This is especially important if you fear your family may not honor your wishes after your death.
And you need to have all the necessary program information and contact details available for your family so they aren't burdened with details while dealing with your death.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear you’re against it. Because I signed you up too.”

”What?! You can’t tell me what to do with my body when I die!”

“And yet here you are, telling me.”

I am astounded at the number of people who feel entitled to bestow their opinions on others, when something is clearly none of their business.

Tell them you’re considering a second option. Remains shipped to Tibet for a sky burial.

I’ve shared here before that I had the opportunity to tour the cadaver lab at my daughter’s university. It was simply an amazing experience. The professor that led us in the tour told us how the lighting was designed so that no shadow could be made from any angle over the bodies. The air in the room was completely refreshed every six minutes. There is no smell whatsoever. There were maybe 20 bodies in the room, all under white cloths. The students have access to work 24 hours a day, knowing they are always on camera. It was peaceful and respectful. The professor said the students are told on the first day to treat the body as they would their beloved grandparent. At the end of two semesters, the bodies are offered back to the families. Those who don’t claim them are cremated locally. There is a memorial service for them, optional for the students, but according to the professor, almost always attended by all involved. The students feel close and grateful to those they’ve worked to learn from.
You’ve made a generous decision. And you don’t owe anyone an explanation for your choice.

Just FYI, it is possible your body may not be accepted (see Mayo Clinic's reasons below). You should find out what happens if this is the case. Read the final reason. With the number of Baby Boomers aging and passing, this may be an issue...

"Why a donation may be denied:

Mayo Clinic makes every effort to accept all program-registered donors. Below are some reasons why the program might deny a donation:

- The potential donor has an infectious or contagious disease (such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or hepatitis C, or prion diseases).
- The next of kin objects to the donation of the body.
- The body is not acceptable for anatomical study (extremely emaciated or extremely obese).
- The body has been autopsied or mutilated or is decomposed.
- The donor is not in the Mayo Clinic anatomical bequest program's care within 48 hours of death.
- The donor was embalmed prior to arrival at Mayo's facility.
- Donations are not needed at the time."

You need to find out if your body goes back to the family and they (or someone) still has to pay for final cremation/burial.

Tell your ding-dong friends that medical school students are taught to (and do) show great respect for the bodies on which they do their work. They don't fool around with them, they fully understand that it was someone's family member, and they often consider that person a "friend" who has helped them become a better doctor.

At the end of the year when they've finished their work, there is usually a memorial service at which the students respectfully honor and say goodbye to their research "partner." The bodies are then cremated and returned to the families.

I had a friend who told me that every time she had her anatomy class she'd pass out because she couldn't deal with dead bodies, but she came to appreciate her "partner" and the sacrifice they made to further her education.

She eventually became a pediatric ER doctor, and when I asked her how on earth she could do that when dead people freaked her out (I was thinking accident victims, etc.), and she said firmly, "NO ONE dies in my ER! They die in surgery!" 😄

Well I would like to THANK YOU for your future service to doctors or scientists.

As for Concerned Others, thank them, for the concern they are showing for your body.

Or, if you are a cheeky sort.. tell them you have reconsidered donating - may choose something else! Like rocketing your head into space, or be cryo-mummified, or maybe be sailed out to sea by your Grandchildren & set alight - Viking style! (Like in a Billy Connolly comedy film I saw once).

Ha ha 😆

I am sure that not every decision you have made in your life pleased everyone.
The choice of having a funeral or not. To have a "Celebration" of your life is for your friends and family. They can have a Celebration or service as they wish. Weather your body is present at the time is immaterial.
What the past few years with COVID has taught us is services, celebrations whatever you want to call them can be done at any time. Funerals and other traditions are for the living. It is a means of closure, a way that "we" can gather and share grief, joy, heartache. Sadness shared seems to lessen the burden and sharing the joy seems double it making the days ahead a bit easier.
Teach others why you feel the way you do you may change minds. Years ago the plan of cremation seemed "odd, strange, upsetting" to many but it is far more acceptable now. Time is the only thing that has changed.

Thank you in advance for helping to train our future doctors, and furthering Medicine! 🙏

Why would you even speak with others about what is being done with your body after you pass??? As if cremation is a 'better' thing to do with one's body than leaving it to science??? Or burying it in the ground?

Come on!

Stop discussing YOUR wishes with others and that way, you won't know what their opinions are. Ignorance is bliss in that regard!

MYOB

Every Med School student I've ever met talks with awe, affection and respect about the cadaver they learned from in med school. Apparently, anatomy professors give a talk before beginning the first dissection lesson about the proper treatment and demeanor around cadavers.

You might share that with your naysayers.

Some folks just like to be argumentative, remember.

Your body your choice. You don’t need to justify your decision.

It’s a wonderful way to make your life matter. So is organ donation, so if anyone who is reading this would like to save the life of a fellow human being, please sign up for organ donation now. You can usually do it through your state’s DMV.

No, you should not be concerned what others think. My cousin is doing the same thing. I personally would have told no one but my children. That way you get no comments back.

You said it yourself..."why should I care?" when referring to what others think about your decision, and I agree 100%. Why should you care? I think it's very noble what you're doing and only wish more folks would consider donating their bodies to science, as I believe there are answers hidden in our bodies for many of the diseases of today(especially Alzheimer's/dementia)that can only be understood after one dies.
I think it's admirable to be thinking of the betterment of others even in death.
God bless you.

Should you be concerned with ANYTHING at your age besides those things that make YOU comfortable and content and joyful and healthy and peaceful?

Your body your life! And it’s nice of you to give something more of yourself when you pass.