1. Barriers To Autopsy
BMI

2. Cost
Autopsy rate in the U.S. has declined sharply during the past several decades
It is now uncommon for an autopsy to be performed when a person dies in a hospital due to disease
Partly due to the high cost
Generally paid for by patient’s family

3. Autopsy decline
Clinicians sometimes fear that an autopsy will show a problem with their care
Autopsy research has shown that many times patients are misdiagnosed or have another contributing disease condition that might have been treated if it had been diagnosed
Autopsies can show need for changes in treatment protocols

4. Consent
Medical examiners do not need the consent of the family to order a forensic autopsy
Clinical autopsies are ordered by physicians and must be consented to by the family of the deceased person

5. Fears People fear disregard for the well being of research subjects
Some people fear what the autopsy may reveal about the deceased person’s lifestyle
Some fear the body won’t be treated with respect or will be disfigured

6. Beliefs Different religions feel differently about autopsies.
Some encourage immediate burial and forbid desecration the body
Most religions make an exception when an autopsy could save another person’s life.

7. Religion
Laws in at least 11 states allow a family to express a religious objection that must be taken into consideration by the medical examiner
The medical examiner may still require an autopsy if there is a question of homicide or if public health issues are involved