Autopsy Initiative
Free Autopsies
Our Services
Step 1
Submit an Intake Request
The first step is submitting an intake request for our team to review. If the case appears to fall within the scope of our services, we will contact the family to request completion of our screening questionnaire and any additional information needed to begin the evaluation process. Please note that a case may not be eligible for acceptance if: - The decedent has been embalmed - The decedent has been cremated - The decedent has been buried - If severe decomposition is identified during the evaluation process - The date of death occurred more than one month prior to the intake request
Step 2
Case Evaluation and Funeral Home Coordination
Once we receive the completed screening questionnaire and all required information, the case will move forward into our formal evaluation process. This review typically takes 1–2 weeks to complete to determine if we can accept the case for a second autopsy. During this evaluation in our phase of our evaluation, our pathologist coordinator carefully reviews the available case information to determine whether there is a reasonable likelihood that a second autopsy may provide a definitive cause of death determination. In the second phase of our evaluation, our team will also contact the funeral home to determine: - Whether the decedent is in suitable condition for out-of-state transportation, as the second autopsy is performed out of state - Whether the funeral home can assist with the required coordination and transportation arrangements to transport the decedent to the selected pathologist.
Step 3
Case Acceptance
and Next Steps
Once the evaluation process is complete, our team will contact the family to provide the outcome of the review. If the case is accepted, we will provide the family with the next steps, including any required documentation, coordination of transportation arrangements, scheduling of the second autopsy, and any additional information needed to proceed. The cost of our services is fully covered for eligible families and our services includes: - A second autopsy (transportation included) - A discussion of preliminary findings with the pathologist - A review of the original medical examiner’s autopsy report and the issuance of a comprehensive final second autopsy report - A final discussion call with the pathologist to review the findings and address any questions the family may have.
Step 4
Communication Throughout the Process
Our team will provide updates throughout the evaluation process and will contact the family if additional information is needed. We understand that families may be managing time-sensitive funeral arrangements and are seeking answers as quickly as possible during an incredibly difficult time. However, we are unable to expedite the evaluation process, as each case requires a thorough and careful review to determine eligibility and ensure the necessary coordination can be completed. Submitting additional requests for updates or contacting our office does not shorten the evaluation timeline. All cases must undergo the same review process and are evaluated carefully in the order they are received. If funeral arrangements are scheduled within days or only one to two weeks after submitting an intake request, families should be aware that we may not be able to complete the evaluation, acceptance process, transportation coordination, and scheduling of a second autopsy within that timeframe.
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