Mother’s Bold Decision: Body Donation to Medical Science

Talking about death can be a daunting conversation, but for 86-year-old Patsy Cohen, it was a necessary discussion with her daughter. In a candid moment, Cohen revealed her wish to donate her body to medical science after her death. This decision, while shocking to her daughter, reflects a deep sense of gratitude for the medical professionals who aided her during her battle with bowel cancer.

Every year, approximately 1,300 people in the UK donate their bodies for educational purposes. Cohen is determined to contribute to the training of future doctors, believing that without donors, medical students would miss out on vital hands-on experiences. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them, so this is a simple way to give back,” she explained.

Cohen has already contacted a local university to arrange for her donation. Her daughter, a journalist, felt compelled to explore this significant choice further. She documented her experience at Cardiff University, where students learn from real human bodies. This behind-the-scenes access revealed the profound relationships formed between medical students and their donors.

Dr. Hannah Shaw, who leads the anatomy education team at Cardiff, emphasized the importance of using real bodies in medical training. “There really is no substitute for being able to see, touch, and feel real anatomy,” she stated. The tactile experience aids students in understanding the complexities of human biology, which textbooks alone cannot convey.

Despite technological advancements that allow for the 3D replication of human anatomy, the use of real bodies remains crucial. Freya Gillson, a medical student at Cardiff, noted, “Working with donors is incredible. They are our very first patients, and you do develop a connection with them – they’re our silent teachers.”

When a donor passes away, their body is transported to the anatomy centre, where it is preserved for educational use. Families can choose whether to cremate or bury their loved ones after the university has completed its studies, with associated funeral costs covered. For many families, this can result in a prolonged grieving process, as illustrated by the experience of Joy Sesay‘s family.

Joy, who epitomized a spirit of service, left behind a large family. Her daughter, Jenny, described how they held memorial services while awaiting the cremation. “It’s kind of been a bit strange because it hasn’t been your usual, go to the funeral and then you deal with it,” granddaughter AJ reflected, highlighting the emotional complexities of the situation.

Interest in body donation has waned in recent years, with Cardiff University noting a nearly 50% decrease in registrations since 2020. Nonetheless, 154 people registered in 2024, demonstrating that there remains a commitment to this altruistic act. Universities encourage those considering body donation to communicate their wishes to their families, as this can ease the transition for loved ones.

To honor the contributions of donors, Cardiff University hosts an annual memorial event where families and students come together. This gathering allows families to connect with the educational journey their loved ones have inspired. Freya Gillson described the moment as poignant, stating, “Seeing the pictures of our donors with their families made it all very real.”

The impact of body donation extends beyond the individual. As Carol, Joy Sesay’s daughter, expressed, “You think it might be a one-off gift of your body, and you close the book, that’s not the case.” The legacy of these donations continues to benefit future doctors and patients alike.

Cohen’s decision to donate her body brings comfort to her daughter, who admires her mother’s pragmatic approach to death. “I feel when I’m not here, I’m not going to be wasted. It’s going to do some good and help make a better doctor,” Patsy declared.

Although the day will inevitably come when they must say goodbye, her daughter takes pride in knowing her mother’s legacy will live on through her contributions to medical education. Inspired by her mother’s choice, she has also decided to pledge her body to the same institution, furthering the cycle of giving and support within the medical community.