Autopsy

Due to the not infrequent need for autopsies  we encourage clients to allow autopsies, at least if needed for litigation purposes or for a financial benefit to the estate such as claiming life insurance or showing a cause of death in a wrongful death action.  

 

Some religions only encourage autopsies if it will save a life, or if it contributes to research that will save a life (Judaism, Islam).

 

We have options to instruct your agent to follow those religious beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses, state is up to the individual.   Many other religions tend to not have any limits.

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Clients often want to limit autopsies either to for financial benefits, or for personal interest of the family.   The option you prefer not to have one gives your healthcare agent the most authority to do what they feel is right at the time.

 

Some clients who initially want to prohibit autopsy change their mind when they learn that choice could cost their family a million dollars (for example, if life insurance will only pay out with proof of cause of death or if it is required for litigation).

 

If an autopsy is not preferred, we encourage individuals to limit the reasons an autopsy can be authorized instead of prohibiting it entirely.