Who can authorize an autopsy?

The authorization for an autopsy is typically granted by the surviving spouse, adult child, or parent of the deceased individual. This is rooted in the legal recognition of familial relationships and the rights associated with them. Family members, particularly those who have a direct relation to the deceased, are generally considered to have the appropriate authority to make decisions regarding the body, including consenting to an autopsy, unless there are specific legal stipulations or prior arrangements that dictate otherwise.

Medical professionals are involved in conducting the autopsy, but they typically do not have the authority to authorize it without consent from the family or a legal directive. Options specifying that anyone over the age of 21 or that a court order is necessary do not reflect standard legal practices surrounding autopsy authorization, which prioritizes close family members in the decision-making process.