What
really is embalming?
Embalming is a temporary
preservation of a dead human
person. This process is
accomplished by a
surgical-like technique of
injecting chemical solutions
into the deceased's vascular
system, thus producing a
natural life-like
appearance. This process
dramatically retards tissue
decomposition creating a
time frame for a viewing
and/or funeral service.
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Regarding
embalming, what are my rights as
a consumer?
According to the Federal
Trade Commission Funeral
Rule, all funeral homes are
required to get permission
to embalm. If you select a
funeral service which
requires embalming, such as
a funeral with a viewing,
you may have to pay for
embalming. You are not
required to have embalming
if you selected arrangements
such as direct cremation or
immediate burial. If a
funeral home charges for
embalming, they must explain
why in writing. EXAMPLES: (i)
Selected a service with a
viewing or (ii) Arranged for
shipment by common carrier
or (iii) Selected
arrangements that require
the funeral home to hold the
remains for more than 24
hours provided that no
refrigeration is available
or a hermetically sealed
container is not used and
provided that embalming does
not conflict with religious
beliefs or medical
examination.
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Is
embalming a requirement?
It may depend on such
factors as whether the
family selected a service
with a public or private
viewing of the body with an
open casket; if the body is
going to be transported by
air or rail; or because of
the length of time prior to
the burial or cremation.
