body donation program

Body Donation Program

The Gift of Knowledge: Body Donation in San Antonio

At Southside Funeral Home, we believe in honoring every individual’s final wishes. For some, that means making a lasting contribution to the future of medicine. We work closely with the UT Health San Antonio Body Donation Program to facilitate these selfless gifts, which help train the next generation of doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals.


What is the Body Donation Program?

Body donation is often called the "ultimate charitable act." By donating your physical remains to UT Health San Antonio, you provide the essential foundation for medical education. Your gift enables students to comprehend the intricate structure of the human body and the impact of disease, ultimately benefiting thousands of future patients.


How the Program Works

The program is governed by the laws of the State of Texas and follows strict ethical guidelines to ensure donors are treated with the utmost dignity.


  • Eligibility: Any competent person 18 years of age or older may choose to donate.
  • The Process: Enrollment involves completing a Body Bequeathal Agreement, which must be signed by the donor and two witnesses.
  • Identification: While students do not know the names of donors to protect privacy, the university maintains secure files to ensure identification from arrival until the final disposition of ashes.


Costs and Services

One of the practical benefits of this program is that it relieves the family of several financial burdens:


  • No Cost to Donate: It is illegal for any institution to pay for a body donation; however, the program covers basic embalming and transportation to the Health Science Center (if death occurs within a 100-mile radius of San Antonio).
  • Cremation: Once the medical study is complete, the program provides for the cremation of the remains at no cost to the family.


Considerations for Families

Choosing body donation is a unique decision that changes the traditional funeral timeline.

  • Timing: To ensure the body is preserved for study, the university must be notified immediately. Ideally, preservation begins within 6 to 10 hours of death.
  • The Service: Because the body must be transported quickly, a traditional funeral with the body present is usually not possible. Many families choose to hold a memorial service to celebrate their loved one’s life and spirit.
  • Duration: Medical studies typically last between 3 to 5 years.


Final Disposition and Honoring the Gift

The university treats every donor as an "anonymous benefactor."

  • Return of Ashes: If requested at the time of donation, the university can return the cremated remains to the family for a nominal fee once studies are complete.
  • Burial Ceremony: Every year (usually in the spring), UT Health San Antonio conducts a formal burial ceremony at their cemetery for remains that are not returned to families. Students, faculty, and administration attend this ceremony to express their gratitude for the donors' contributions.


Important Exclusions

While most donations are accepted, certain conditions may make a body unsuitable for the program, including:

  • Major organ donation (other than corneas).
  • An autopsy has been performed.
  • Severe trauma or recent major surgery.
  • Specific infectious diseases or obesity.


How to Get Started

If you or a loved one are considering this path, we recommend discussing it with your family early.

  • Request Forms: Contact the UT Health San Antonio office at 210-567-3900 to request a "Will Form."
  • Notify Us: Ensure your family and your funeral director at Southside Funeral Home are aware of your wishes so we can act quickly when the time comes.
  • Carry Your Card: Once registered, you will receive a wallet card to notify emergency personnel of your donor status.


Southside Funeral Home is here to help you navigate these decisions with compassion and respect. Please contact us at (210) 922-6339 if you have questions about coordinating a memorial service alongside a body donation.