What's the Torah's position on autopsies?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

Library » Life Cycle » Death » Passing On | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT The Jewish body is considered sacred and should not be desecrated by an autopsy. Autopsies are only allowed if it is possible that this autopsy will save another life. For instance, if a person was murdered and performing an autopsy might provide a clue which will help apprehend the murderer, thus stopping him or her from murdering anyone else, an autopsy may be done. If, G-d forbid, it seems that an autopsy is required, an expert rabbi MUST be consulted. Only a rabbi is qualified to determine whether a particular instance in fact warrants an autopsy or not. TAGS: autopsy, autopsies ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). COMMENTS Crime Posted by: Nathan Peck, San Rafael, California on Jan 01, 2007 What if an autopsy is used to determine one's cause of death in order to ease the minds of family members? What if it's needed to find out if the autopsee had a contagious disease? What if an qutopsy could help bring a murderer to justice, ever if they won't kill again? Editor's Comment These are complicated questions that depend on the specifics of each individual case. A competent authority in Jewish law should be consulted to deal with the particular issues in every case. read more less Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...