What is the one reason a family can object to an autopsy?

What is the one reason a family can object to an autopsy?

• A. That the autopsy is against current medical standards
• B. That the autopsy is too costly
• C. That the autopsy would delay funeral arrangements
• D. That the autopsy is contrary to religious beliefs of the decedent

Answer: (D)

Respect for the decedent’s beliefs governs postmortem decisions, and consent is required for an autopsy. If performing an autopsy would violate the decedent’s religious beliefs, the family has a legitimate basis to object, so the autopsy should not proceed without consent. This ground is about honoring deeply held beliefs, which takes precedence over other practical concerns like cost or potential funeral delays.

Respect for the decedent’s beliefs governs postmortem decisions, and consent is required for an autopsy. If performing an autopsy would violate the decedent’s religious beliefs, the family has a legitimate basis to object, so the autopsy should not proceed without consent. This ground is about honoring deeply held beliefs, which takes precedence over other practical concerns like cost or potential funeral delays.