What type of death requires an autopsy in Missouri?

An autopsy in Missouri is required primarily for suspicious deaths that are determined by law enforcement or a medical examiner. This is crucial for determining the cause of death when there are doubts or unclear circumstances surrounding the situation, such as potential foul play, unusual patterns, or unexplained factors. These autopsies help ensure public safety and accountability, as they can uncover evidence necessary for legal investigations or provide insights into public health concerns.

In contrast, while certain types of deaths, like accidental deaths, may also lead to an autopsy, it is the suspicious nature that most directly necessitates one. Autopsies are not routinely performed for all natural deaths or solely based on a short hospital stay; rather, they are guided by specific legal or medical concerns that indicate a need for a deeper examination. Thus, the requirement for autopsy hinges critically on the determination of suspicion by authorized entities, making the understanding of that criterion essential in the context of Missouri funeral law.