Human bodies are useful in medical research and in the training of medical students. The Anatomy Act regulates the use of dead bodies for medical purposes.
Bodies must be housed under strict criteria in a registered institution, such as a university medical school. Universities do not advertise for bodies, and at present, supply outstrips demand.
People wishing to donate their bodies to science need to make prior arrangements - it is not sufficient to leave an instruction in a will. After the body has been used, the medical school meets the cost of cremation or burial of any remaining parts of the body according to prior arrangements with the donor.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2008
