South Carolina § 44-43-720 - Consent required for certain autopsies and postmortem examinations; use of body parts restricted; form of consent.
Full text of South Carolina South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-43-720 — Consent required for certain autopsies and postmortem examinations; use of body parts restricted; form of consent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-43-720. Consent required for certain autopsies and postmortem examinations; use of body parts restricted; form of consent.
(A) Except for an autopsy or postmortem examination ordered by a coroner or medical examiner, no autopsy or postmortem examination may be performed unless the person authorizing the autopsy or postmortem examination has given informed consent to the procedure. The person giving the informed consent must be given the opportunity to give informed consent and authorize the procedure on a witnessed, written consent form using language understandable to the average lay person after face-to-face communication with a physician about the procedure. If the person authorizing the procedure is unable to consent in person, consent may be given through a recorded telephonic communication.
(B) In performing an autopsy or postmortem examination, no body parts, as defined in Section 44-43-320, removed from the body may be used for any purpose other than to determine the cause or manner of death unless the person authorizing the autopsy or postmortem examination has given informed consent to the procedure. The person giving the informed consent must be given the opportunity to give informed consent on a witnessed, written consent form using language understandable to the average lay person after face-to-face communication with a physician about the procedure. If the person authorizing the procedure is unable to consent in person, consent may be given through a recorded telephonic communication.
HISTORY: 1996 Act No. 419, SECTION 1; 2006 Act No. 334, SECTION 1, eff June 2, 2006.
Source: official South Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina § 44-43-720
What does South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-43-720 cover?
Section 44-43-720 ("Consent required for certain autopsies and postmortem examinations; use of body parts restricted; form of consent.") is part of the South Carolina Code of Laws, the codified statutory law of South Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Carolina § 44-43-720?
A common citation format is "South Carolina Code of Laws § 44-43-720" (South Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.
How does South Carolina § 44-43-720 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina.