End of Life Concerns Should I Request an Autopsy After a Death? By Chris Raymond Chris Raymond Twitter 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. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 19, 2023 Medically reviewed by Melissa Bronstein, LICSW Medically reviewed by Melissa Bronstein, LICSW Melissa Bronstein, LICSW is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist specializing in supporting young adults. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD Fact checked by Elaine Hinzey, RD LinkedIn Elaine Hinzey is a registered dietitian, writer, and fact-checker with nearly two decades of experience in educating clients and other healthcare professionals. Learn about our editorial process Print 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. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Goldman L. Autopsy 2018: still necessary, even if occasionally not sufficient. Circulation. 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. 18(3):304-8. doi:10.1093/fampra/18.3.304 National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Autopsy and religion. Additional Reading "Rates of autopsy." www.medscape.com. 2012. Medscape.com. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1705948-overview#aw2aab6b3 "Should I have an autopsy done on my loved one?" www.webmd.com. 2008. WebMD.com. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/should-i-have-an-autopsy-done-on-my-loved-one Sources:"Autopsy." www.aurorahealthcare.org. 2010. Aurora Health Care. http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=14771.html By 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. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit