Autopsies: When Are They Done?

Autopsies are medical examinations of a body after death. They are performed to determine the cause of death, as well as to gather information about the person's medical history and lifestyle. Autopsies can be performed for a variety of reasons, including:

* To determine the cause of death. This is the most common reason for an autopsy. When a person dies unexpectedly or under suspicious circumstances, an autopsy can help to determine the cause of death and rule out any foul play.

* To gather information about the person's medical history. An autopsy can provide information about the person's past health problems, as well as any current medical conditions that may have contributed to their death.

* To identify the person. In some cases, an autopsy may be necessary to identify the person who has died. This is especially important in cases where the body is badly decomposed or disfigured.

* To collect evidence for a criminal investigation. In some cases, an autopsy may be necessary to collect evidence for a criminal investigation. For example, an autopsy may be performed to determine if a person was murdered or if they died as a result of an accident.

Autopsies are not always performed. In some cases, the family of the deceased may object to an autopsy. In other cases, an autopsy may not be necessary if the cause of death is already known.