Searching for good practice recommendations on body donation across diverse cultures

Good practice recommendations for the donation of human bodies and tissues for anatomical examination have been produced by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA). Against the background of these recommendations, the ethical values underlying them were outlined. These were the centrality of informed consent, their non-commercial nature, and the respect due to all associated with donations including family members. The latter was exemplified in part by the institution of thanksgiving services and commemorations. A number of issues in the recommendations were discussed, including the movement of bodies across national borders, donor anonymity, taking images of bodies and body parts, and the length of time for which bodies can be kept. Outstanding questions in connection with body donation included the availability of bodies for research as well as teaching, allowing TV cameras into the dissecting room, and the display of archival material in anatomy museums. Future prospects included whether IFAA could be formulating a position on the public exhibition of plastinated human material, and in what ways IFAA could assist countries currently dependent upon the use of unclaimed bodies.