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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

“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.

MYOB

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.