Autopsied Remains

 

If family want to direct the services and final disposition of a body that has required an autopsy, the Medical Examiner's Office (MEO) will encourage you to pick up the body within 30 days but the MEO is sensitive to extenuating circumstances so is glad to negotiate a pick up date that can work for your family.  They will also let your family know the condition of the body.

 

The M.E. only closes the body with light stitching therefore if damage is extensive the body will be placed in plastic and a body bag so that nothing unsightly is detected as it is placed in the casket the family brings.   In this situation closed casket services should be planned.  This means if a viewing is desired it should be closed casket.  Therefore it is called a visitation and is conducted the same way a viewing is conducted.

 

Of course another option is to deliver the body directly to a cemetery or crematory for final disposition.  This can be followed by a funeral without the body present.  Therefore it is called a memorial service and is conducted the same way a funeral is conducted.