Ethical and Legal Considerations When Viewing a Loved One's Corpse

The process of viewing a loved one's corpse can be a deeply personal and emotionally charged experience. Whether you choose to visit a morgue or a funeral home, it's crucial to understand the ethical and legal frameworks that govern these considerations. This article explores the various contexts in which you might be permitted to view a deceased loved one and the differences between morgues and funeral homes.

Visit in a Funeral Home

If you choose to visit a loved one in a funeral home, there are several important points to consider. In public viewings or private viewings for family members only, you can expect to have the time you need to say your final goodbyes. These arrangements can be customized based on your preferences and the family's wishes. Typically, you would plan with the funeral home to ensure you have adequate time to spend with your loved one. This can range from a few moments to several hours, depending on the circumstances.

Limited Access in a Morgue

Access to a morgue is generally more restricted compared to a funeral home. This is due to the sensitive nature of the work conducted there, which involves autopsy and preservation of bodies. It is not uncommon for law enforcement to contact family members to identify their loved ones in a morgue setting. In these cases, viewings are typically brief and conducted under the supervision of medical professionals. For example, during a witnessed case where the author's father died on a New York City street, the body was respectfully displayed behind glass, and the police officer provided as much time as needed for identification. This emphasizes the importance of support and respect during such experiences.

Roles of Morgue Attendants

Morgue attendants, like the one who worked for the City of Toronto, often manage the logistical aspects of body preservation and have limited access to viewings. They typically operate closed viewing areas that are partitioned from the coolers. In the author's experience, viewings usually lasted about 5 minutes. These brief periods are sufficient for most people to say their final farewells. Additionally, viewings in hospitals are more common, as families often arrange to see their loved ones there before transfer to a funeral home or burial site.

Case Studies and Personal Accounts

A UK perspective comes into play when considering the individual circumstances surrounding each death. For instance, in 2005, one of the author's lifelong friends died unexpectedly from a heart attack at the age of 53. The family decided not to hold a public viewing, as they were single and had no children. The funeral director directed the author to the friend's mother, who made the final decision. In contrast, the author saw both their parents and their spouse's parents within an hour of their deaths in hospital settings and at a nursing home.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It is important to note that, generally, unless you are a next of kin or the individual responsible for identifying the deceased, you are not legally allowed to view the body in a morgue. Funeral homes, on the other hand, offer a controlled environment for these emotions and allow for longer periods of visitation. The funeral home will typically have specific visitation hours and ensure that family preferences are respected. The decision to hold a viewing is often stated in the death notice or on the funeral home's website.

In conclusion, the process of viewing a loved one's corpse can be highly personal and must be conducted with sensitivity and respect. Whether you choose a funeral home or a morgue, understanding the legal and ethical considerations ensures that your final moments with a loved one are as respectful and meaningful as possible.