When are autopsies following death performed? Does the death have to be suspicious or violent?

Answer 1

No, if you don't have a doctor before a death from an illness, the federal government requires one. (ie. a doctor who was seeing you regularly and would know the whole case history, case of death).

Answer 2

Autopsies are performed when the immediate cause of death is not apparent. Autopsies are ordered by medical examiners and/or coroners, and no one can overrule their decision to order an autopsy. If they deem that someone will be autopsied, they deceased will be autopsied regardless of any objections from the family. The death can be from any means, suspicious, violent or simply from the lack of medical information to determine an exact cause of death. For instance, if you go to the ER and die shortly after, without having been under medical care or supervision within the previous weeks or months, there is a high likelihood there will be an autopsy ordered, as the hospital staff must contact the ME or coroner in a death like this. Hope this helps, take care!

Answer 3

They used to be performed far more often, but now I think less than 10% of all dead people are given autopsies, and usually it is if they die in suspicious circumstances, are murdered, or the family pays for one to be done. Some families with money will have them done so they can know if the deceased had heart disease, the beginnings of cancer, or anything else than might be hereditary.