An Ethical Framework to Clinical Post-Mortem Examination in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Post-mortem examinations (PME) often yield valuable information regarding the cause and manner of death. They aid in identifying underlying disease, support public health efforts, and inform criminal investigations. In the clinical context, PME improves understanding of disease processes, prevents future illness in others, and provides comfort and closure to families. In Saudi Arabia, a multitude of cultural, religious, and ethical concerns often preclude frank discussions and contribute to the reluctance of both families and practitioners to pursue these examinations. In this paper, we contend that clinical PME should be routinely offered to family members after the unexplained death of an individual. To that end, we propose a religiously informed and culturally sensitive ethical framework, one that is cognizant of local cultural, ethical, and religious needs. We begin with an overview of PME, its development, and its current state in Saudi Arabia. Next, we examine the cultural, religious, and ethical challenges that contribute to the underutilization of PME. Finally, we address these challenges through our proposed framework in the hope that a more representative approach to PME will permit more utilization and benefit.