Anatomical Donations Program

The Importance of Anatomical Donations

Anatomical donations are essential to medical education and research. Anatomy courses rely on anatomical donations to give students first-hand knowledge of the anatomical structures of the human body. These courses are among the first and most important in the education of physicians, dentists, nurses, physical therapists, and other health professionals.

Anatomical donations are also essential to advanced anatomy studies and research. Physicians in residency programs, practicing physicians, biomedical scientists, and others depend on anatomical donations to support new advancements in medical science.

All members of the medical community who rely on anatomical donations, from students in core anatomy courses to professionals in advanced research areas, are greatly indebted to anatomical donors and their families for making their work possible.

The Gift of Knowledge

The Gift of Knowledge Brochure provides information, including answers to frequently asked questions, regarding the Anatomical Donation process at the University of Michigan.

To receive a printed copy of the brochure, fill out the Anatomical Donations Request Brochure Form.

Anatomical Gifts & The Law

To help meet the need for anatomical gifts for medical education and research, as well as to help protect the interests of donors and their families, the Michigan state legislature enacted several versions of anatomical gift laws in 1958, 1969, and 1978. The 1978 law was Public Act 368 of 1978.

In 2008, Michigan amended the 1978 Act with Public Act 39 of 2008, providing the short title of the amended statute as the Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Law (RUAGL). The 1978 Act, as amended in 2008, simplifies donation and protects donor intent as well as creates almost universal uniformity across states.

Downloads

Guide for funeral directors, including forms to distribute to donor representatives.