Consider for a moment that the cadavers about whom Sarah Nir’s Feb. 14 (“Dead dates make good companions”) column jokes chose to donate their bodies for medical research. Consider for a moment that there are surviving family members who might take comfort from the prospect that their loved ones will be treated with some level of dignity and respect.

After all, they or their families could have decided to send the bodies straight to the grave, where the only one who profits is the funeral industry. From what I hear, there is a shortage of donated bodies, which I think is exacerbated by comments such as those made in Nir’s piece.

My mother’s body was donated by her prior request to GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her family should have no reason for regretting that selfless act, nor should the other families who have chosen or will choose to donate the bodies of loved ones.
-Karen Greisman
senior secretary
Gelman Library