Is embalming necessary?

It is difficult to find support for routine embalming in the medial profession. There is no evidence that a body poses a threat to the living, except where death was due to a notifiable disease. No evidence exists of funeral directing, cemetery or crematorium staff obtaining an infection from an un-embalmed body. Embalmers suggest that the process thoroughly disinfects the body and removes any risk, however slight, to any person who may come into contact with the body. Conversely, it would be logical to assume that, if a real heath risk existed, embalming would be mandatory. In fact, when a person dies of a notifiable disease, embalming is not allowed.

The British Institute of Embalmers comment, as follows:

“The visual characteristics of a badly damaged body may be improved by additional specialised treatment where time is available. To be effective, it may be necessary to carry out the treatment over more than 24 hours. Effective cosmetic treatment in such cases may also decrease the trauma of a sudden death, and the benefit is almost always acknowledged by the bereaved”.

It should be noted that, where the person required a high intake of drugs during their terminal illness, their body could deteriorate rapidly. This can be delayed by refrigeration.