Autopsy

An autopsy is an examination of the deceased’s inner organs, which are used to find the cause of death and clarify the course of illness. There are two types of autopsies: A legal medical autopsy is performed if there is suspicion that the death is due to a criminal offense, or when the manner or cause of death wasn’t determined during the inquest. It’s the police who require this form of autopsy and one cannot oppose it. Subsequently, the closest relatives can be informed of the autopsy result upon request to the deceased’s GP. There is also a medical science autopsy. It’s performed for research and educational reasons, so that one can learn from the cause of death. The doctor must inform the relatives that an autopsy is needed. Relatives have the right to oppose it, but if the relatives have not opposed the autopsy within six hours, it can be performed via so-called tacit consent. From the age of 18, you can decide for yourself if you want an autopsy when you die. If you haven’t decided, your relatives will be asked to decide. You express your opinion towards autopsies by filling out an autopsy card that you always carry with you. The autopsy card can be downloaded at blivdonor.dk.