The Autopsy Service performs autopsies – the examination of a body after death – to provide greater medical knowledge concerning the cause of death. All autopsies performed at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are conducted with the utmost respect and professionalism. An autopsy will only be performed with the written consent of the legal next of kin.
Patients with a Brigham and Women's Hospital medical record number (MRN), including those previously cared for at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, or at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who pass away elsewhere (e.g. at home, another hospital or a nursing home), may have an autopsy performed by the Autopsy Division.
Private autopsy requests on a patient that has not been cared for at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will be accepted on a case by case basis.
We do offer Rapid Autopsies, which provide a unique research opportunity. Arrangement's must be made with research and the autopsy service prior to the patient's passing.