In Missouri funeral law, what does "embalming" refer to?

The term "embalming" in Missouri funeral law specifically refers to the preservation of dead bodies to delay decomposition. This process typically involves the injection of formaldehyde-based solutions into the body to slow down natural decay and to help maintain a more visually acceptable appearance for viewing purposes, which is important for an open-casket funeral service.

This definition underscores the practical application of embalming in the funeral industry, where the desire to preserve the deceased for mourning rituals is paramount. While delaying the funeral service may be a consequence of processing the body, it is not what embalming is directly about. Additionally, a method of burial generally relates to techniques or practices following embalming, rather than the process itself. Lastly, the process of recording death certificates is a legal requirement separate from the physical handling of the body, further establishing why the preservation aspect is the focus of the correct interpretation of embalming.