When are autopsies required in Missouri?

In Missouri, autopsies are required when the cause of death is under investigation by the coroner. This regulation is in place to help determine the circumstances surrounding a death, especially in cases that may involve suspicious circumstances, criminal activity, or when the decedent's identity is unknown. The coroner plays a crucial role in public health and safety by ensuring that all relevant information is collected when there are uncertainties about the cause of death.

In contrast, there are no requirements for autopsies in every instance or simply at the request of the family; such situations may not warrant an autopsy unless there are investigative considerations. Additionally, the notion that autopsies are never required does not align with the legal responsibilities of a coroner when there is a need to clarify the cause of death for legal or health-related reasons. Thus, the requirement for the coroner to conduct an autopsy based on an ongoing investigation underscores the importance of the investigative process in handling certain types of deaths in Missouri.