Make the Decision
Competent individuals 18 years of age or older are eligible to donate their body for medical education and research. After death, donations also may be made by the next of kin or executor.

Interested individuals should complete the form to donate their body. This form does not require the services of an attorney; either two non-family members or a notary must witness the signature. Once an individual has chosen to bequeath his or her body, the executed gift form constitutes a legal will that may be amended or revoked upon request. Once the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois (AGA) receives the designation form, the intended donor will receive a donor participation card and an information packet that includes information about how to share the decision to donate with loved ones.

The gift becomes effective immediately upon death, though it is subject to the conditions at the time of death as well as acceptance by the AGA. The AGA is unable to accept donations from individuals with a communicable disease. The organization accepts bodies with amputations, though it does not accept the amputated limbs or parts.