Virtual Autopsy as an Alternative to a Traditional Post-Mortem Examination

Autopsies have been an accepted procedure since the nineteenth century. However, some religions and cultures have an aversion to the desecration of a body after death. This reluctance is traced back to the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Hebrews, who emphasized the undisturbed rest of a corpse. Today, certain religions and cultures, including Orthodox Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and some Native American communities, oppose autopsies for various reasons.

Despite the melting pot of religious and cultural beliefs surrounding autopsies in the United States, most states offer little to no legal remedies to prevent forensic autopsies. A new non-invasive procedure, the virtual autopsy, might offer a solution to those who object to a traditional post-mortem examination. This article will explore the potential for virtual autopsies to become a non-invasive alternative to traditional autopsies for those who object to the procedure on religious or other personal grounds.

Read the full article here.