Attitudes toward Autopsy Refusal by Young Adults

Abstract

A survey of 158 18- to 24-yr. old college and 119 noncollege adults indicated that the latter were more reluctant to approve autopsies for spouses, children and distant relatives. Nonstudents also expressed more objections to autopsies than did students.

Attitudes of nursing staff to the autopsy

“…Nurses’ views on the disadvantages of autopsies also echo the views of other groups. The idea that funerals are delayed is erroneous, but widely held amongst the general public (Brown 1984, Wilke & French 1990), and the idea that distress to relatives outweighs any possible advantage is held by many of those clinicians who might otherwise help arrest the declining autopsy rate. Disfigurement at autopsy is also often quoted as a reason for avoidance by our respondents, another view they share with the general public (Brown 1984, McPhee et al .…”

“…Disfigurement at autopsy is also often quoted as a reason for avoidance by our respondents, another view they share with the general public (Brown 1984, McPhee et al . 1986, Wilke & French 1990, Solomon & Adams 1993). There are contradictory views in the medical literature about the interpretation of the strictures associated with various religions (Geller 1984, Ghanem 1988, Boglioli & Taff 1990; Rosner 1990), but it is clear that autopsy could interfere with preferences such as ritual cleansing or rapid disposal of the body favoured by some ethnic groups, and most autopsy services seek to minimize any disruption.…”

Attitudes of nursing staff to the autopsy

“…The idea that funerals are delayed is erroneous, but widely held amongst the general public (Brown 1984, Wilke & French 1990, and the idea that distress to relatives outweighs any possible advantage is held by many of those clinicians who might otherwise help arrest the declining autopsy rate. Dis®gurement at autopsy is also often quoted as a reason for avoidance by our respondents, another view they share with the general public (Brown 1984, McPhee et al 1986, Wilke & French 1990, Solomon & Adams 1993 (Geller 1984, Ghanem 1988, Boglioli & Taff 1990Rosner 1990), but it is clear that autopsy could interfere with preferences such as ritual cleansing or rapid disposal of the body favoured by some ethnic groups, and most autopsy services seek to minimize any disruption. It is therefore a matter for concern that fewer than 70% of respondents recognize religious observances as a possible contraindication to autopsy.…”