# Will Terri Schiavo have an autopsy? What would one tell us about her condition? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 28, 2005, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560 "2005-03-28T04:53:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2005, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/1 "2005-03-28T04:53:44Z")
A few questions… Has it been confirmed whether or not Terri will undergo an autopsy? When and if she passes, is Michael Schiavo responsible for her remains? I heard something about heading back east and a cremation… Therefore, could he allow an autopsy, and would he? And regardless of that outcome, would an autopsy positively prove that she really has no consciousness (I believe this is a yes or no question, and if I’m wrong, it can be debated elsewhere)? What about studying her brain for more insight into a PVS person for the greater cause? ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2005, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/2 "2005-03-28T15:26:33Z")
I am no expert, but … The law does not require an autopsy for a death while under a doctor’s care, which this is. The coroner can order an autopsy for any death in his jurisdiction. I cannot even touch the second part of your question, although I suspect that no information gathered by an autopsy could shake the firm beliefs of people on either end of this case. ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2005, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/3 "2005-03-28T15:50:24Z")
IIRC, they grew up in Pennsylvania, and his plans are to have her cremated and interred up there. But I suspect we won’t know that for sure until the appeals on the court battles over her corpse are completed. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2005, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/4 "2005-03-28T18:07:33Z")
> [@ParentalAdvisory](#): > > Has it been confirmed whether or not Terri will undergo an autopsy? I’m almost positive she won’t. > [@Parental Advisory](#): > > When and if she passes, is Michael Schiavo responsible for her remains? I heard something about heading back east and a cremation… Therefore, could he allow an autopsy, and would he? I believe he could. I’d be really, really, really surprised if he did. Florida law on autopsies: [Cite](http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0872/SEC04.HTM&Title=-%3E2004-%3ECh0872-%3ESection%2004#0872.04) You can’t do autopsy unless authorized by statute or the health care surrogate consents. and [Cite](http://www.flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=autopsy&URL=CH0406/Sec11.HTM) This link says, in pertinent part: > [@](#): > > In any of the following circumstances involving the death of a human being, the medical examiner of the district in which the death occurred or the body was found shall determine the cause of death and shall, for that purpose, make or have performed such examinations, investigations, and autopsies as he or she shall deem necessary or as shall be requested by the state attorney: > > (a) When any person dies in the state: > > 1. Of criminal violence. > > 2. By accident. > > 3. By suicide. > > 4. Suddenly, when in apparent good health. > > 5. Unattended by a practicing physician or other recognized practitioner. > > 6. In any prison or penal institution. > > 7. In police custody. > > 8. In any suspicious or unusual circumstance. > > 9. By criminal abortion. > > 10. By poison. > > 11. By disease constituting a threat to public health. > > 12. By disease, injury, or toxic agent resulting from employment. It seems to me that the discretion to do an autopsy lies in the medical examiner’s hands, with the state’s attorney having the ability to order an autopsy. Since the SA has shown no indication of a willingness to prosecute the case, and because the ME hasn’t vocalized a request, and Michael Schaivo, more than likely, will not request an autopsy, I would highly doubt any autopsy will be done. > [@OP](#): > > And regardless of that outcome, would an autopsy positively prove that she really has no consciousness (I believe this is a yes or no question, and if I’m wrong, it can be debated elsewhere)? I’ll defer to a medical person to answer this. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Lao](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dr.Lao](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Lao)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/5 "2005-03-29T01:14:34Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > I believe he could. I’d be really, really, really surprised if he did. [Prepare to be surprised.](http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12688841%255E1702,00.html) ---
**Author:** ![Casey1505](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dc4da7/32.png) [@Casey1505](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casey1505)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/6 "2005-03-29T01:46:38Z")
Your link didn’t work for me, but it was mentioned on CNN that an autopsy will be performed, apparently with the consent of both the parents and Michael. He feels it will prove that he had nothing to do with her collapse, they feel it will show that he did. Poor woman will be dissected because neither party can possibly let her death be the end of it. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/7 "2005-03-29T01:49:58Z")
> [@ParentalAdvisory](#): > > When and if she passes, is Michael Schiavo responsible for her remains? As of now YES! If M.S. has his way Terri will be cremated. The cremains buried and forgotten. All done in the shortest possible time frame. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/8 "2005-03-29T01:53:38Z")
> [@spingears](#): > > As of now YES! If M.S. has his way Terri will be cremated. The cremains buried and forgotten. All done in the shortest possible time frame. Would you prefer the remains be taken for a ticker tape parade down Fifth Avenue? As of now, an autopsy is on. I think it’s a good idea - science may learn something. ---
**Author:** ![Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ccd318/32.png) [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/9 "2005-03-29T01:58:25Z")
MSNBC just said the husband’s lawyer said an autopsy would be done and that it would prove the extent of her injuries. (Not that that would settle the debate on all this.) ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/10 "2005-03-29T03:00:16Z")
> [@spingears](#): > > The cremains buried and forgotten. All done in the shortest possible time frame. Is this a fact you can support with a cite? Or are you making it up just to be confrontational? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Lao](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dr.Lao](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Lao)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/11 "2005-03-29T03:14:08Z")
My link didn’t work because I screwed it up. [link](http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,12688841%255E1702,00.html) ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/12 "2005-03-29T03:42:29Z")
> [@spingears](#): > > As of now YES! If M.S. has his way Terri will be cremated. The cremains buried and forgotten. All done in the shortest possible time frame. **spingears**. GQ is for factual answers. We generally allow some leaway. But this is getting tiring. If you have something factual to contribute in GQ, then do it. If not, take it to any of the multiple threads on Ms. Schiavo which are to be found around the board. Or, start one of your own. **samclem** GQ moderator ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/13 "2005-03-29T04:00:58Z")
> [@](#): > > Terri Schiavo’s husband has asked that an autopsy be performed on his wife after she dies so that a full report can be done on the extent of her brain damage, an attorney for Michael Schiavo said Monday. > > Attorney George Felos said the autopsy will be performed by Dr. Jon Thogmartin, the chief medical examiner of Pinellas County. Source: [http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/28/schiavo/index.html](http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/03/28/schiavo/index.html) Still, some people will not believe it. ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/14 "2005-03-29T05:23:03Z")
Heh, didn’t think they’d be talking about it so fast. Anyhow, I feel that this is great news. Whether or not you agree with Michael, is it safe to say that both opposing sides agree with performing the autopsy and studying her brain for the sake of knowledge, for a person that is in vegetative state? Or will their still be a lot of non-believers. (Or will they be in the minority for the most part?) Now that some of the questions have been answered tonight, I think it’s safe to move this thread to Great Debates should it head that way. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/15 "2005-03-29T11:49:27Z")
> [@Hamlet](#): > > I’m almost positive she won’t. As of Monday evening it was reported that Michael had ordered an atopsy. > [@](#): > > I believe he could. I’d be really, really, really surprised if he did. Be surprised! As to why is anybodys guess. Being suspicious, my take is to prove that she was essentially brain dead and could not be rehabilitated under any circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/16 "2005-03-29T11:55:46Z")
> [@Dr. Lao](#): > > Prepare to be surprised Well ratchet up my smarts and call me Cecil! I guess I can understand Ms. Schiavo’s husband wanting to clear his name in public and to explain the extent of damages to the public, but I am surprised he’d do it. I’d like to see a neurologist included at the autopsy, but I haven’t heard anything about that either. Very interesting. ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/17 "2005-03-29T11:57:49Z")
An autopsy will really not say that much more about Terri’s condition. It will show the huge amount of cerebral atrophy that is perfectly evident on her CT scan. I don’t know if they will be able to tell on autopsy whether any remaining cortical tissue is functional, but it’s clear from her EEG that it isn’t. Her autopsy will not convince anyone of anything if they aren’t already convinced. If she does have a total lack of any cortical tissue remaining, they’ll say that it all happened because they removed the feeding tube and starved her to death. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/18 "2005-03-29T13:10:36Z")
> [@spingears](#): > > As to why is anybodys guess. My guess is that it will be done solely to defuse charges from the Schindlers that Michael Schiavo is hiding something. They will use anything to portray him as a murdering philanderer, so why give them any more ammunition? ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/19 "2005-03-29T13:29:04Z")
> [@DoctorJ](#): > > Her autopsy will not convince anyone of anything if they aren’t already convinced. If she does have a total lack of any cortical tissue remaining, they’ll say that it all happened because they removed the feeding tube and starved her to death. Also if the medical disciplines involved don’t meet their specifications. > [@](#): > > I’d like to see a neurologist included at the autopsy, but I haven’t heard anything about that either. “Yes, there was a neurologist consulted, but he was a _left_ brain neurologist.” ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2005, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560/20 "2005-03-29T13:54:40Z")
Both sides will be looking to the report for redemption. It being a fairly scientific document with little room for embellishment, both sides will find it. It will solve nothing. I really do hope it shows not one iota of evidence that in any way could be construed as evidence against the husband, but in a document like that I doubt it. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-terri-schiavo-have-an-autopsy-what-would-one-tell-us-about-her-condition/296560.md?page=2)