Muslims and Jews granted post mortem changes

Rochdale Infirmary

Muslims and Jews will be able to stop traditional post-mortem examinations being carried out on the bodies of dead relatives, it has been revealed.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice yesterday visited Rochdale Infirmary where she discussed new Government plans, which will allow for MRI scans to take the place of invasive post-mortems which go against the tenets of the Muslim and Jewish faiths.

It is important to the Islam and Jewish faith that bodies should be buried as soon as possible after death and adherents of both faiths object to the current post-mortem  procedure, which involves the body being cut open, often several days after death.

The Minister visited Rochdale Infirmary, where there is an MRI scanner, used by the Bolton coroner for the non-invasive post mortems.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: “The loss of a loved one is extremely difficult for any family to deal with.

“For some individuals and members of faith groups, the thought of an invasive post-mortem can compound the grief and distress, particularly when the procedure is against the tenets of the individual’s faith.”

“We have listened carefully to bereaved families and are pleased to propose these reforms which will allow coroners to consider the wishes of the family and faith issues and where possible conduct an MRI scan in place of an invasive post-mortem.”

“I am interested to learn about the service provided by the Bolton Coroner. The local MRI facility is an example of good practice on which reforms can build whilst already providing benefit to families during a particularly difficult time.”

Under the reformed system, Coroners will be able to consider faith issues and the wishes of the family when considering what type of post-mortem should take place.

An MRI scan may not be the appropriate means to determining a cause of death in every case and therefore a Coroner will be required to make that decision on a case by case basis.

Further reforms that also respond to the needs of certain faiths will ensure that coroners attempt to arrange examinations within a specified period to respond to the need for speedy burials or cremations.

The Coroners and Justice Bill is currently before Parliament and is expected to receive Royal Assent towards the end of the year. These changes will come into effect as soon as possible after that.