[The autopsy exception].

Abstract

It does not seem a priori easy to implement the usual values and milestones of biomedicalethics with explorations performed on a corpse. This is true, at least, when it is considered that the concepts of welfare and benefit concern only the human being himself. This necessarily precludes any practice conducted with another aim. Thus, autopsy cannot be ethically justified unless its usefulness is expressly demonstrated. Furthermore, some conventions should be respected, otherwise the reprobation induced by characterised deviations would anihilate even this usefulness. To overcome ambiguities, and conceive, despite everything, a moral procedure which would be reconcilable with some medico-scientific necessities, the exemption principle may be proposed for autopsy. Because explorations performed on a corpse impose definitely irreproachable behaviours, learned societies and authorities should build up means and methods to unquestionably guarantee the relevance and soundness of practice.