Should I Request an Autopsy After a Death?
More in End of Life Concerns
Pain & Symptom Control
Funeral & Memorial Planning
Chris Raymond
Chris Raymond is an expert on funerals, grief, and end-of-life issues, as well as the former editor of the world's most widely read magazine for funeral directors.
Fact checked by
Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD on March 09, 2020
Elaine Hinzey is a fact checker, writer, researcher, and registered dietitian.
Elaine Hinzey, RD
An autopsy or post-mortem examination is a surgical procedure performed by a forensic pathologist to examine a deceased human body and its organs to determine the cause of death. If authorities consider a death suspicious, they will order an autopsy, but only around 8% of all deaths in the U.S. are autopsied.
Darrin Klimek / Getty Images
Reasons Why Requesting an Autopsy May Be Important
Even in cases of natural death, however, the next-of-kin may still wish to request an autopsy for several reasons:
To confirm a medical diagnosis made before the death involving a genetic disease that could affect surviving family members. While advancements have been made in accurately diagnosing Alzheimer's, for example, a brain autopsy remains the only method of confirming the disease.
If the death was unexpected — particularly if it occurred during a health-related procedure, such as surgery, giving birth, etc.
When knowing the precise cause of death could impact legal matters, such as payment of an insurance policy.
To further the study, understanding or treatment of a disease in order to possibly benefit others in the future.
Before requesting an autopsy, the next-of-kin should thoroughly consider the possible ramifications, which might include:
The effect of the post-mortem procedure on grieving survivors. An autopsy involves making incisions in the chest and/or skull of the deceased in order to inspect/remove organs, which some loved ones might find an unpleasant idea.
Cultural or religious acceptance. For example, both Orthodox and Conservative Jewish law generally prohibit autopsies because of the belief in the inviolability of the body after death.
Additional financial obligation. The cost of the autopsy might be charged to the family if not ordered by a medical examiner.
Goldman L. Autopsy 2018: still necessary, even if occasionally not sufficient. Circulation. 2018;137(25):2686-2688. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.033236
Yale School of Medicine. Reasons for an autopsy.
PBS. Autopsy 101.
Oppewal F, Meyboom-de jong B. Family members' experiences of autopsy. Fam Pract. 2001;18(3):304-8. doi:10.1093/fampra/18.3.304
National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Autopsy and religion. Updated 2015.
"Rates of autopsy." www.medscape.com. 2012. Medscape.com. Retrieved July 17, 2012. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1705948-overview#aw2aab6b3
"Should I have an autopsy done on my loved one?" www.webmd.com. 2008. WebMD.com. Retrieved July 17, 2012. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/should-i-have-an-autopsy-done-on-my-loved-one
"Autopsy." www.aurorahealthcare.org. 2010. Aurora Health Care. Retrieved July 17, 2012. http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=14771.html
Benefits Provided to Those Who Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Coping With End of Life Issues
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Meaningful Ways You Can Express Your Sympathy to Someone Grieving
How Can You Survive Valentine's Day When You're Grieving?
What Causes Sudden Death in Young Athletes
Managing Mundane Tasks After a Death Can Be Hard, But Must Be Done
The Effects of Alzheimer's on the Brain
Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD
What Physically Happens to Your Body Right After Death
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
How Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Be Distributed?
What Happens to Unclaimed Cremated Remains
Military Funeral Honors or Ceremonies Received After Death for Veterans
Why Do Some Request Physician-Assisted Suicide?
Fact checked by Dale Brauner
Prior Authorization Is a Way to Make Sure Health Care is Covered
Finding the Right Words When Consoling Grieving Parents
Is Your Loved One With Dementia Getting Scammed Too Easily?
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD
How to Get a Pre-Authorization Request Approved by Your Health Plan
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig