How do I donate my body, or a loved one's body?

Whole body donations are fairly common and done for a variety of purposes. Some people may do them for scientific purposes. Others choose them because they are a less costly alternative to a common funeral with a burial, thus leaving less of a burden for their loved ones.

Usually, the person donating their body must give their own consent and therefore must be alive, of sound mind, and able to sign a donation agreement. In some cases, a next of kin can arrange a donation for a loved one. That decision is up to the donation bureau or agency. Please contact them with questions.


In all cases, these donations are not handled by the coroner.  Research "whole body donation" for more information. For your convenience, two agencies are listed alphabetically below:

Anatomy Gifts Registry - Maryland: (800) 300-5433 | www.anatomygifts.org | info@anatomygifts.org

Humanity Gifts Registry - Pennsylvania: (215) 922-4440 | www.hgrpa.org | info@hgrpa.org

Show All Answers

1. Where can I obtain a death certificate?
2. Why is the Coroner involved?
3. What is an autopsy and is there a charge for it?
4. When is an autopsy performed?
5. Does the Coroner need permission from the next-of-kin for an autopsy?
6. How do I donate my body, or a loved one's body?
7. How long does it take for a death ruling to be made?
8. When will the autopsy report be completed?
9. Where may the clothing of the deceased be located?
10. How is the funeral director selected?
11. How do I make arrangements for the body to be released from the Coroner's office?
12. Why does the Coroner charge a fee for a cremation release?
13. Will I be charged for the services of the Coroner?
14. Who will clean up the death scene?
15. Why does the Coroner refuse to release information about an investigation?
16. Is it necessary for me to come to the Coroner’s Office to identify the body?
17. Why wasn't I notified sooner?
18. Can the time of an unattended death be determined with certainty?
19. What are the office hours of the Washington County Coroner's Office?
20. How do outside entities obtain an Autopsy,Toxicology and/or Coroner's report?
21. How do I obtain a copy of an Autopsy, Coroner's Report and Toxicology Report?
22. Who can interpret the results of the autopsy report for me?