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

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Medical Ethics
• Public Health

Background:

• Post-mortem examinations (PME) are vital for determining cause of death, advancing public health, and aiding investigations.
• Clinical PME enhances disease understanding, disease prevention, and family closure.
• Cultural, religious, and ethical factors in Saudi Arabia limit PME utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a religiously informed and culturally sensitive ethical framework for clinical PME in Saudi Arabia.
• To address barriers hindering PME utilization in the Saudi Arabian context.
• To promote increased PME adoption for broader societal and clinical benefits.

Main Methods:

• Review of the development and current status of PME in Saudi Arabia.
• Analysis of cultural, religious, and ethical challenges impacting PME.
• Development of a proposed ethical framework tailored to local needs.

Main Results:

• Identified significant cultural, religious, and ethical barriers to PME.
• Proposed a novel framework to navigate these challenges.
• Aimed to increase PME acceptance and application.

Conclusions:

• Routine offering of clinical PME after unexplained deaths is advocated.
• The proposed framework seeks to enhance PME utilization by respecting local values.
• A culturally sensitive approach is key to maximizing the benefits of PME.