Psychologically, the autopsy provides closure by identifying or confirming the cause of death. Establishing a cause of death can be a source of comfort to the family. The primary purpose of an autopsy is to answer any questions the family or physician may have about an illness or cause of death. There are sometimes questions about the exact cause of death on someone that could affect the future health of other family members. The autopsy may determine whether there are inheritable problems and help the surviving members of the family to seek treatment.

Society benefits in many ways from having autopsies performed. Advancing medical knowledge of existing diseases through autopsy-based research is clearly important for everyone. The autopsy can prove or disprove whether a new drug, new surgical technique or new diagnostic test is effective.

1. What is an autopsy?
2. Can I arrange an autopsy for myself and request a particular procedure be performed?
3. Who can request an autopsy?
4. Where is the autopsy being performed?
5. Will I be able to have a funeral once the autopsy is complete?
6. How much does an autopsy cost?
7. How long does it take to get the autopsy report?
8. Why perform an autopsy?
9. Can I limit the autopsy to a particular part of the body?
10. How long does an autopsy take and when will the body be released?
11. How can families benefit from an autopsy?
12. How soon should an autopsy be performed?
13. Once the body has had an autopsy from another agency, can I have another one for a second opinion?
14. Can an exhumed body be autopsied?
15. Can I talk to somebody about my wishes and concerns regarding the autopsy?