What is Embalming and is it Legally Required?
Embalming is a practice that involves the preservation, restoration, and presentation of a deceased person's body. I have an-ummmm-opinion on embalming and whether or not it’s truly necessary but this article is meant to just cover the process without going into the emotional aspects of it.
The Purpose of Embalming
Preservation of the Body: One of the primary purposes of embalming is to slow down the decomposition process of a deceased body. This preservation helps maintain the body's appearance without having to use refrigeration to preserve the integrity of the body.
Restoration: In cases where the deceased has suffered trauma or an autopsy, embalming can help restore the body's appearance. Skilled embalmers can reconstruct features that may have been altered due to illness, injury, or medical procedures.
The Embalming Process
Embalming is a precise and meticulous procedure carried out by licensed and trained embalmers. It typically involves the following steps:
Initial Assessment: The embalmer begins by inspecting the deceased person's body to assess the condition and determine the embalming process's requirements. This includes noting any injuries, diseases, or special circumstances.
Preparation: The body is placed on an embalming table, and the clothing is removed. The embalmer cleanses the body, washing it with a disinfectant solution to remove any bacteria or contaminants.
Arterial Embalming: This is the core of the embalming process. The embalmer selects a major artery, usually the carotid or femoral artery, and makes an incision. A trocar, a pointed instrument, is inserted into the artery while simultaneously draining blood from a nearby vein. A special embalming fluid, containing a mixture of chemicals like formaldehyde and methanol, is injected into the arterial system. This fluid preserves the body and retards decomposition.
Cavity Embalming: After arterial embalming, the embalmer uses a trocar to puncture the body cavity. This allows the removal of gases and fluids and the injection of cavity fluid, which further preserves the internal organs.
Restoration and Setting: Depending on the condition of the deceased, the embalmer may engage in restoration work. This could involve setting the facial features, suturing incisions, and applying cosmetics to recreate a natural appearance.
Dressing and Presentation: Finally, the body is dressed in clothing chosen by the family or in a burial shroud, and it is prepared for viewing. This is a crucial step, as it allows friends and family to remember their loved one as they were in life.
It’s important to note that embalming is not legally required. To do so would be a violation of the religious rights of several different religions. It also is not entirely true that it makes the body “safe” for viewing, this idea has been misconstrued, promoted, and adopted by society. It is however, completely within the legal rights of a funeral home to insist upon a body being embalmed if you wish to have a viewing. This is why it’s incredibly important to know this information ahead of time and choose a funeral home wisely. It’s also important to know what your rights as a consumer are, as many funeral homes will tell you that it’s illegal to hold a viewing without the body being embalmed which is so very very very false.
If you have any questions about your legal rights concerning this matter please feel free to reach out to me at anytime. I am always available to talk to you about this or talk the funeral home where your loved one is being taken care of.