Robin doesn’t need to know exactly where her grandmother’s body went or what it is used for. “That is not announced. We are down to earth in our family, we don’t have to have someone’s body to love someone and grandma just wanted it that way.”
Commemoration
Robin and her family are planning to organize an intimate memorial for her grandmother. “I remember her as an extremely strong woman with a strong will of her own. She had a big heart, she loved her grandchildren and she really wanted to help people – including science.”
Her grandmother’s choice also made Robin think. “It has been so quiet and peaceful and donating your body – knowing that you are helping others – is a wonderful cause. I have children so I would like to talk to them about this sometime. I also think that they should be part of my choice if I want the same as my grandmother.”
Donation in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, almost a thousand people donate their bodies after their death every year. This is evident from figures from the Ministry of Health. Within 24 hours of the time of death, the body of the deceased is collected and taken to the hospital. The relatives may choose to organize a farewell afterwards, but the deceased will not be present at that meeting.
The body parts of people donated to university hospitals are used for scientific research and education at those hospitals. For example, for practicals for medical students or in the development of new surgical techniques for specialists. Medical technology companies also use body parts of deceased people, for example to develop new aids. This can also be chosen when donating.
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