For more than 45 years, the University of Oklahoma Willed Body Program has provided the human anatomical specimens that are essential to advancing medical education, scientific discovery, and healthcare innovation throughout Oklahoma. Through the extraordinary generosity of individuals who choose to donate their bodies after death, our program helps educate future physicians, healthcare professionals, and researchers while supporting advancements in medical science.

The OU Willed Body Program is committed to honoring each donor with the highest standards of dignity, respect, and professionalism. Every donation is treated as a profound gift that contributes to the education and training of future generations of healthcare providers.

The program is responsible for the procurement, transportation coordination, storage, preparation, distribution, cremation, and final disposition of all individuals donated to the OU Willed Body Program. Every stage of this process is carried out with compassion, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to honoring each donor's final gift.

In Oklahoma, all whole-body donations are overseen by the State Anatomical Board, ensuring that every donation is managed in accordance with state law and the highest ethical standards. This oversight reflects decades of legislative commitment to protecting donors and preserving public trust.

The evolution of the donation process has been guided by important legislative milestones, including:

• 1969 – Uniform Anatomical Gift Act: Enacted by the Oklahoma State Legislature, this landmark legislation established the legal framework allowing individuals to voluntarily consent to donate their bodies for medical education and research.
• 1989 – State Anatomical Board Oversight: The Oklahoma State Legislature expanded the authority of the State Anatomical Board to oversee and approve all whole-body donations throughout Oklahoma, ensuring ethical stewardship, regulatory compliance, and consistent standards for anatomical donation programs statewide.

We recognize that the decision to become a body donor is one of remarkable generosity and compassion. The OU Willed Body Program is honored to carry out each donor's final gift with gratitude, integrity, and the utmost respect while supporting the education of tomorrow's healthcare professionals and the advancement of medical research for generations to come.