Q: What is the Orthodox Church's position on autopsies?

Q: What is the Orthodox Church's position on autopsies?

A: The Orthodox Church does permit autopsies to be performed in order to determine the cause of death when that cause is unknown or uncertain; especially if this information may prove useful in determining the health risks of offspring or blood relatives. However, if there is no good, valid, or beneficial reason for performing an autopsy, the Church would promote leaving the deceased one's body intact and at peace.

Fr. John