About AAA

The American Association for Anatomy is an international membership organization of biomedical researchers and educators specializing in the structural foundation of health and disease. AAA connects gross anatomists, neuroscientists, developmental biologists, physical anthropologists, cell biologists, physical therapists, and others to advance the anatomical sciences through research, education, and professional development. To join, visit anatomy.org.

American Association for Anatomy Creates Committee Dedicated to Ethics of Human Body Donation

ROCKVILLE, MD—FEBRUARY 16, 2023 – The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) has created a committee dedicated to advocating and promoting ethical whole body donation guidelines for education and research. 

The Human Body Donation Committee advocates for body donor best interests; develops and contributes to best practices; informs policymakers on regulatory efforts; interfaces with the media on topics related to the public interest; and supports legal and ethical program operations and activities for educators, researchers, body donors, and the medical and healthcare communities.

The Human Body Donation Committee will:

  • Increase awareness of and respect for issues important to human body donors and the body donation process
  • Advocate for (or against) legislation and regulations that impact human body donors and donor program institutions that are in the best interest of the donors
  • Promote best practices and develop guidelines that support education and research while protecting the best interests of human body donors and their families before, during and after donation 
  • Advocate for diversity and inclusion in body donor populations
    Maintain resources and act as an interface for information on body donation and education in body donation research 

    “The Human Body Donation Committee will be a strong advocate for whole body donors and their families through the development of appropriate and widely-accepted guidelines,” said Joy Balta, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Founding Director at Point Loma Nazarene University and Chair of this Committee. “By proactively addressing issues related to human body donations, we will ensure that the field of anatomical sciences is one that is diverse, equitable and inclusive.”

    “In recent years, AAA has critically examined its institutional history and initiated new steps to minimize racism, bias and lack of respect for donors and their families,” said Valerie DeLeon, Ph.D., AAA President. “We look forward to this committee’s work and to its positive impact on our field.”

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