What is one exception that may require embalming in Missouri?

In Missouri, one significant exception that may necessitate embalming involves the scenario where a body has been found several days after death. This stipulation primarily arises from concerns regarding public health and hygiene. When a body is not discovered until a considerable time has passed since death, the potential for decomposition increases significantly. As a result, embalming becomes essential to preserve the remains temporarily for identification purposes, transportation, and to protect those who may come into contact with the body.

The other scenarios presented, such as immediate burial without service or a direct cremation request, typically do not mandate embalming. In immediate burial, the body is interred quickly, often without the need for preservation methods like embalming. Similarly, direct cremation typically involves the simple and prompt cremation of the body without the necessity for embalming, as the process occurs soon after death. The assertion that no exceptions exist contradicts the established regulations that address specific circumstances under which embalming is required, making the situation where a body has been found many days post-mortem the most applicable exception in this context.