What to do if…
you are asked to consent to an autopsy and feel overwhelmed

What to do now

1. Ask what type of request this is and write down the answers.

   • “Is this a medical examiner or coroner case, or a hospital clinical autopsy?”
   • “What decision, if any, is mine to make?”
   • “Is there a time-sensitive point? Please tell me when it is and why.”

2. Ask the office to note one preferred family contact. Say: “Please note me as the preferred family contact. Who is allowed to give instructions or receive information in this case?” Ask for the best phone number or email address for the relevant office, such as the medical examiner, coroner, hospital pathology department, or decedent affairs office.

3. If this is a hospital clinical autopsy, ask to read the form before agreeing. Ask:

   • “What question are you hoping the autopsy will answer?”
   • “What exactly does this form authorise?”
   • “Can the examination be limited?”
   • “Could any organs, tissue, or fluids be retained?”
   • “Are any research or teaching permissions separate?”
   • “Who is allowed to sign this form?”

   Say: “Please send me the form so I can read it and call back.”

4. If this is a medical examiner or coroner case, ask what the local process allows. Ask:

   • “Does your office have authority to decide whether an autopsy is needed in this case?”
   • “Is there a process for raising a religious objection or another concern about an invasive examination?”
   • “Can a less invasive examination be considered?”
   • “Who makes that decision?”

   If you have a religious objection or another concern about an invasive examination, say so promptly. Ask for the case number and the name or title of the person who records your request.

5. Ask about the practical next steps. Ask:

   • “When is the examination expected to happen?”
   • “When might the body be released to the funeral home?”
   • “Who should the funeral home contact about release?”
   • “How can we request the report later?”
   • “Is there a typical report timeline for this office?”

6. If relatives disagree, narrow the issue for now. Ask the hospital or office: “Who may consent, receive information, and submit requests in this case?”

   Say to relatives: “We can discuss the wider questions after we understand what is required and what choices actually exist.”

7. Ask whether any other examination option is time-sensitive. Ask: “Are there any other examination options, and is there anything that must be raised before release?”