Q: Why are autopsies done and who gives permission for them to be performed?

A: Some people mistakenly assume that an autopsy examination is performed on every person who dies. This isn’t the case. Whether or not an autopsy is performed depends on the circumstances surrounding the death, the cause of death, where the death occurred and to some degree, whether or not the surviving next of kin desires to have an autopsy. An autopsy is performed by a pathologist, a specially trained medical doctor who specializes in studying causes of death.

The word autopsy comes from the Greek word, autopsia, which means seeing with one’s own eyes. During an autopsy, the pathologist will physically and even microscopically examine the internal organs. Body fluids may also be analyzed. An autopsy is also called a post-mortem examination.

The findings of an autopsy can be helpful in identifying a new or recurring disease. They can be used as a part of a criminal investigation. They can also help in understanding a family’s medical history. Autopsies also help educate physicians. Mortui vivos docent is a medical axiom that means, “the dead teach the living.”

Throughout the United States, medical examiner laws exist that require a coroner official to determine if an autopsy will be performed. Violent or accidental deaths, deaths that occur while in the workplace or sudden, as well as unexplained or unnatural deaths are some circumstances that usually lead to an autopsy. When a medical examiner is involved, he/she does not need consent or permission to perform an autopsy. In some states, medical examiners have the authority to waive an autopsy if there is religious objection to one.

When a medical examiner is not involved, written permission to perform an autopsy must be obtained from the person with the legal right to custody and control of the decedent. Some states have laws permitting an individual to authorize an autopsy on his/her own body via an advance directive contained in a will and/or durable powers of attorney for healthcare.

If an autopsy is performed without consent or approval, or a more extensive examination is performed than was authorized, survivors can sue for damages. The next of kin also has the option to request an (elective) autopsy. If the decedent was a patient in a hospital, there is likely a pathologist on the medical staff to perform an autopsy. Quite often, the hospital will provide the services of their on-staff pathologist at no additional cost to the family. If the death occurred in other than a hospital, or if no pathologist is available, the funeral director can offer assistance to the family in securing a pathologist. There are usually fees that the family will be responsible for paying when requesting an elective autopsy. Determine what the charges will be in advance. It is not unusual for a pathologist to charge $2,000 or more for an elective autopsy examination.

For the bereaved, determining the cause of death can help in dealing with the loss. It can reassure the family that all care and treatment that could have been done was in fact done.

Kubasak is a licensed funeral director and formerly owned his own funeral home. He lectures t and consults to funeral homes, crematories and related businesses.

He can be reached by calling (702) 345-3212 or via e-mail at Mkubasak@aol.com.