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What really is embalming?
Regarding embalming, what are my rights as
a consumer?
Is embalming a requirement?
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.
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.
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.
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