Do you think a Pathologist (person who performs an autopsy) could do one on a lo

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   Efficient Adminposted 11 years ago

   Do you think a Pathologist (person who performs an autopsy) could do one on a loved one?
   
   Is it possible a pathologist could perform an autopsy (cut them open and dismember them) on a person who died that was real close to them?  If so, how do you think they turn off their emotions, or perhaps they will pass the case onto someone else who is not close to the deceased?

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   kwade tweelingposted 11 years ago

   Interesting question.
   
   The problem is, this is a very broad question. It sounds specific, but lets look at some details.
   
   Is the deceased a parent? A child? A friend? A work associate?
   
   What about the person performing the autopsy? One can assume they are good at what they do. Did they choose this profession? Do they find the task fascinating? Or would they rather be another kind of doctor?
   
   Whether or not someone could perform an autopsy would be specific to the people involved. It would be easy for someone who is a socio-path and formed no bond. Contrariwise, someone who's life is deeply enmeshed in their job might just be able to because they felt they were doing justice to their loved one to find the killer. Or they might think it's better someone who cared about the deceased do the work.
   
   I'm not sure a simple answer exists either way beyond: There are people who could perform and autopsy on someone they love. There are also people who couldn't.

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      Efficient Adminposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Very thoughtful answer. Thank you.

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   Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

   Great question and Kwade left a thorough answer.  Here is another thought:  is it ethical to be the one performing an autopsy on a loved one, and is it legal?

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      Efficient Adminposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Never thought of that before. Thank you for sharing good insight.

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      kwade tweelingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Great thought I hadn't considered. Good call.

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