Autopsy
An autopsy (ruumiinavaus, also known as obduction) is a medical examination in which the deceased's body is opened and examined to determine the cause of death. In Finland, there are two types of autopsy: forensic and medical. The autopsy is an essential part of cause-of-death investigation, especially in unclear cases.
Forensic Autopsy
The police order a forensic autopsy when the death is sudden and unexpected, violent, accidental, or when the cause of death remains otherwise unclear. The procedure is performed by a forensic pathologist at a THL forensic medicine facility. The examination is thorough and includes external inspection, organ examination, and laboratory tests as needed. The family cannot refuse a forensic autopsy.
Medical Autopsy
A medical autopsy is performed at the treating doctor's request for diagnostic or scientific purposes. It always requires the consent of the family. This type is used to confirm a diagnosis, study the effects of treatments, or advance medical research. Medical autopsies are performed considerably less frequently in Finland than forensic autopsies.
Impact on Funeral Arrangements
An autopsy may delay the issuance of the burial permit and thus funeral arrangements. A forensic autopsy typically takes from a few days to a few weeks. According to the Burial Act, burial must nevertheless be carried out without undue delay. The deceased's external appearance is restored as well as possible after the autopsy, so an open casket at the blessing ceremony remains possible.
Frequently asked questions
When is an autopsy performed?
A forensic autopsy is performed when the death is sudden, violent, accidental, or the cause of death is unclear. A medical autopsy is performed at the treating doctor's request for scientific or diagnostic purposes with the consent of the family.
Can the family refuse an autopsy?
A forensic autopsy cannot be refused by the family — it is a decision of the authorities. A medical autopsy can be refused by the family, as it requires their consent.
Is an autopsy costly?
A forensic autopsy is free of charge for the family — the state covers the costs. The costs of a medical autopsy are usually covered by the hospital district or the requesting party.
Related terms
An investigation conducted by authorities to determine the cause of death, which may be medical or forensic.
A medical specialty that investigates causes of death and provides expert opinions for legal purposes.
An official document issued by a doctor that confirms the death and its cause.
A permit issued by a doctor that is required before burial or cremation. Based on the cause-of-death investigation.
Read also
How to obtain a burial permit in Finland: who issues it, what documents are needed, and how long the process takes. A clear guide for next of kin.
A guide to organ donation and autopsy after death: consent, forensic investigation, and the rights of next of kin.