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Pennsylvania Estate Law Library

Anatomical Gifts, Funeral and Burial
Subject to any terms specified by the donor, a donee of the entire body is required to authorize an embalming and use of the body in funeral services if requested by the surviving spouse or next of kin.

The donee of a body part or organ must make the removal prior to embalming and without any unnecessary mutilation of the body. Afterward, custody of the body vests in the surviving spouse, next of kin, or other persons obligated to dispose of the body.

See: Anatomical Gift Directive, Who May Create; Anatomical Gift Directive, Validity; Anatomical Gifts By Others