[The number of autopsies at the Chemnitz Institute of Pathology before and after unification (1987-1992)]

The numbers of autopsies performed at the Institute of Pathology in Chemnitz before and after German unification (1990) were compared (1987-1992). In 1991 and 1992 a decrease of up to 40% was observed. In the former GDR an autopsy was possible without agreement of the relatives, whereas since unification the relatives have the power to forbid an autopsy. This was the principal reason for the dramatic decline in the past 2 years. Another relevant factor is the difficult economic situation of most hospitals in the region, preventing the arrangement of more autopsies. Analysis also shows the important role of physicians in clinics regarding the autopsy rates.