FAQs

These are questions frequently asked by those who contact GenLife Institute. We understand you may have many more questions and invite you to call or e-mail for additional information. It is our honor to provide you with all the information needed to make an informed and generous decision about donation. It is through education that we can increase awareness of whole-body donation and the need for individuals like you.

How do I become a GenLife Institute donor?
Please refer to the How to Donate page found on this web site or call (877) 738-6111. You do not have to pre-register with GenLife Institute to become a donor.

Who can consent?
GenLife Institute is one of the first programs in the world to provide individuals the right to consent to their own donation and cremation. This type of consent is made when an individual is able to make end-of-life decisions and all forms are witnessed as indicated in the registration instructions.

If the option of donation is chosen at the time of passing, GenLife Institute complies with federal, state and local laws to ensure the appropriate consenting class completes all necessary paperwork and fully understands the donation option.

All donations are conducted and protected under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act.

Is my information kept confidential?
GenLife Institute believes in the confidentiality for both the donor and the researcher or educator. In order to maintain confidentiality, all donors are assigned a unique identification number that is used for all forms of communication other than the donor family.

Why is human tissue needed?
There is no substitute for human tissue when studying the body, the multiple diseases that can attack our bodies or ways to cure the body with medication or surgical techniques. Physicians, researchers and educators are reliant on generous donors to conduct the most realistic environment possible.

Are there exclusions for donation?
GenLife Institute is one of the most inclusive whole-body donor programs in the country. We make every effort to fulfill the wishes of those who wish to donate. To protect our researchers and educators, donors with HIV/AIDS are not eligible for donation. Other considerations include extensive surgeries or trauma as well as severe obesity. Individuals residing in Minnesota and New Jersey are not eligible for donation.

Can I request the type of research?
GenLife Institute works to ensure all donors are matched with the research or training that will honor the intent of the donation. We cannot guarantee placement with a specific organization or area of study; however, we do our best to carry out the donor’s wishes.

Can I be an organ donor and a whole-body donor?
GenLife Institute encourages all whole-body donors to also be registered organ donors. It is important that your healthcare representative know your wishes to ensure both donations can occur seamlessly. GenLife Institute will coordinate all donation activities with your state organ procurement organization to ease the stress to your next-of-kin.

What is the cost to me or my family?
GenLife Institute is a no-cost program and covers all costs related to the donation including removal from the place of passing, transportation and the return of cremated remains to the family (if requested).

When will cremated remains be returned to the family?
Cremated remains are returned to the family within 4-6 weeks and are sent via certified mail. All cremations are performed by a licensed crematory. Ashes may not be shipped internationally.

Can I still have a funeral?
All whole-body donors are cremated and therefore a traditional funeral with a casket is not possible. However, memorials, life celebrations and other types of honoring the deceased are encouraged as a way of finding closure and allowing others to pay their respects. Costs associated with funeral arrangements are not covered by GenLife Institute.

Does GenLife Institute participate in art exhibits such as Body World?
No. GenLife Institute does not work with any art-related programs such as Body World. Donated tissue is strictly monitored and is only placed with approved researchers and educators who are working to advance their field of study.