When Are Organs Removed Before Cremation?

Cremation has become a more popular choice in most countries. However, people still have many questions about cremation and the process that occurs before the body is cremated. One of those questions is, “Are the organs traditionally removed before cremation?”

Removing organs before cremation is not traditionally required and typically does not happen in normal cases. Even if an autopsy is performed, the organs remain in the body and are cremated along with everything else. Even the embalming process leaves the organs in the body; they are just drained and filled with embalming solution.

The only parts of the body that are removed before cremation are artificial ones like a medical device or implant with a battery, silicone, pins, radiation pressurization, pacemakers, and large hip, knee, and shoulder replacements along with any external jewelry. This is due to the fact that these items could seriously damage the cremator.

Why Might Organs Be Removed Before Cremation?

The only case for organ removal is if your loved one is a registered organ donor. Your loved one may be an organ donor, or the family or next of kin may be asked for permission by medical staff to use the deceased person’s organs for an eligible organ transplant. The next of kin is always required to give consent before any organ donation procedure can happen, but this decision needs to be made straight after death.

Whether your loved one's ashes are removed before cremation or not, you'll ultimately need to pick an urn to keep the ashes in and start the healing process. Thinking of what their preferences would probably be so you can best honor them, you can choose a beautiful white cremation urn, an elegant cremation urn in gold, or a stunning blue urn—and the list goes on.