Rights and Duties Relating to Cemeteries, Human Bodies and Anatomical Gifts
ORS
97.961
Refusal to make anatomical gift
- effect of refusal
(1)
An individual may refuse to make an anatomical gift of the individual’s body or body part by:(a)
A record signed by:(A)
The individual; or(B)
Subject to subsection (2) of this section, another individual acting at the direction of the individual if the individual is physically unable to sign;(b)
The individual’s will, whether or not the will is admitted to probate or invalidated after the individual’s death; or(c)
Any form of communication made by the individual during the individual’s terminal illness or injury addressed to at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness.(2)
A record signed under subsection (1)(a)(B) of this section must:(a)
Be witnessed by at least two adults, at least one of whom is a disinterested witness, who have signed at the request of the individual; and(b)
State that it has been signed and witnessed as provided in this subsection.(3)
An individual who has made a refusal may amend or revoke the refusal:(a)
In the manner provided in subsection (1) of this section for making a refusal;(b)
By subsequently making an anatomical gift pursuant to ORS 97.957 (Methods of making anatomical gift before death of donor) that is inconsistent with the refusal; or(c)
By destroying or canceling the record evidencing the refusal, or the portion of the record used to make the refusal, provided that the destruction or cancellation is done with the intent to revoke the refusal.(4)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (5) of this section, in the absence of an express, contrary indication by the individual set forth in the refusal, an individual’s unrevoked refusal to make an anatomical gift of the individual’s body or body part prohibits all other persons from making an anatomical gift of the individual’s body or body part.(5)
If an unemancipated minor who signed a refusal dies, a parent of the minor who is reasonably available may revoke the minor’s refusal. [2007 c.681 §6; 2009 c.106 §3]Chapter 97
Atty. Gen. Opinions
Embalming dead human body without prior authorization from surviving spouse or next of kin, (1981) Vol 41, p 457