Your rights

Can you object to an autopsy?

From the moment a death is reported the coroner is in charge of the body until it is released for the funeral. The coroner is responsible for finding the specific cause of death. It is their decision as to whether an autopsy / post-mortem is needed. The deceased's next of kin can make a formal objection to an autopsy. The state coroner will seriously consider any objections. Objections can be made on religious, cultural or personal grounds.

Hospital autopsies are different from coronial autopsies. A hospital autopsy is not performed without first seeking permission of the next of kin. Families have the right to say no and hospital staff will always have to respect the families wishes. A family may request a doctor to arrange for a hospital autopsy to help determine why the person died.

How to make an objection

Ring the coroner's office as soon as possible after the death and let them know that you will be making an objection - an autopsy is usually carried out within 48 hours after the reportable death
Then put your objection in writing to the coroner
If the coroner still decides that an autopsy needs to be carried out you can apply to the Supreme Court for an order preventing it (this needs to be done within 48 hours of being notified that your object has been refused)

What further information can I get?

Once the state coroner has received the report outlining the cause of death, the next of kin should be formally notified of the official cause of death, as well as the status of any investigation that might be undertaken for the coroner. The next of kin is entitled to request a copy of the post-mortem report through your nominated local doctor, who can then help you to interpret its contents.

Are organs and tissues retained?

Some body tissue and organs require specialised examination. In many cases small samples of tissue will be taken for further analysis. It may also be necessary to retain entire organs for a more detailed examination. This is strictly limited to cases where such retention is necessary to determine or confirm the cause of death.

Retained organs may be returned for burial or cremation at a later date when the tests are complete, if the next of kin so desire. Alternatively, the state coroner can dispose of the organs in a dignified manner.