Giving Overview 

The Medical University of South Carolina graciously accepts your interest in our Anatomical Gift Program. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Program came into existence under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act adopted July 30, 1968 by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law and the American Bar Association. This Act enables individuals to donate their bodies or bodily organs to medical science. Body donors are used in many aspects of medical science, primarily research and teaching. It is a rapidly expanding branch of medical technology. At the Medical University of South Carolina, donor bodies are used for teaching freshman students in various health programs such as medicine, dentistry, and allied health, as well as some advanced elective courses in the junior and senior years.

Who may donate?

Becoming a donor
Our students need to study bodies not altered by major surgery. Individuals who wish to become donors in the Uniform Anatomical Gift Program should personally evaluate their own medical history with regard to the following points:

• Weight proportional to height
• None of the following contagious diseases:
  • hepatitis
  • meningitis
  • tuberculosis
  • HIV/AIDS
• No amputations of upper or lower limbs
• Organ donors are not accepted (except those donating eyes only)

Potential donors should write to the following address to obtain the necessary forms and other information:

MUSC Anatomical Gift Program
Medical University of South Carolina
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy
173 Ashley Avenue, BSB 601
MCS 508
Charleston, SC 29425-5080

or email your request to giftofbody@musc.edu

The forms and information you need to become a donor can also be downloaded using the links below. (Note that there are four (4) files to download.) Please read the Guidelines and Instructions carefully before filling in the forms. You must PRINT the forms, enter the information, and RETURN the signed forms to the address indicated above. A donor is not registered with the Program until the signed, witnessed forms are received and entered in our records. You should also print and retain an additional copy of the Uniform Anatomical Gift form for your files and to keep with your other important papers.

 Guidelines: Uniform Anatomical Gift Program

 Instructions for the Anatomical Gift Program

 Uniform Anatomical Gift Form 
     (Print additional copy of copies for donor's files)

 Uniform Anatomical Gift Program Information Form

 *More information and instructions on the Free Adobe Acrobat Reader

Because of unforeseen circumstances (such as full capacity of the storage facility), we do reserve the right to reject body donors at any time. We have many participants in this program and may not be able to accept all donors at the time of their death. Therefore, it is important that you make alternate arrangements to provide for care of your remains should we be unable to accept your donation. Donors may withdraw from the program at any time.

The Medical University of South Carolina does not return the remains or the ashes of donors. However, arrangements can be made with a local firm for a fee to do so if this is desired. Be sure this option is checked the donor form so this will be recorded and information regarding this service will be sent to you.

Each year there is a Service of Gratitude and Remembrance for those individuals who have donated their physical beings to medical education, held in the Medical University Chapel of St. Luke (at the corner of Ashley Avenue and Bee Street in Charleston). Families of the donors will be notified of the exact date of this service.

Important:
The Medical University reserves the right to refuse donations depending upon the condition of the body and/or the needs of this institution. Please have alternative contingency plans made to cover this possibility.