[Clinical autopsies from a medical ethics perspective].

Area of Science:

• Medical ethics
• Public health policy

Background:

• Autopsy rates in Germany are notably low.
• Public ethical reservations have been cited as a contributing factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a normative assessment of clinical autopsies.
• To explore ethical arguments for and against autopsies.
• To examine public reservations regarding autopsies.

Main Methods:

• Literature reanalysis.
• Review of qualitative and quantitative studies.
• Discussion of ethical arguments.

Main Results:

• Historical prejudices and religious beliefs have impacted autopsy acceptance.
• Autopsy discourse often centers on normative arguments, with critics focusing on individual ethics and advocates on social ethics.
• Quantitative data indicate a lack of widespread public ethical reservations against autopsies.

Conclusions:

• While public ethical reservations are not a primary barrier, structural and motivational issues persist.
• Normative considerations remain relevant to understanding low autopsy rates.