The information given in this page has been extracted from the reference copy of the Charter for the Bereaved, and is reproduced by permission of the Charter Organiser.

Embalming is defined as the preservation of a body from decay, originally with spices and more recently through arterial injection of embalming fluid.

Historically, the process is identified with the Egyptians, and the mummification of bodies. In fact, this complicated and extreme method was abandoned. In recent centuries other ways of preserving bodies have received considerable attention. Varying levels of success were achieved but probably due to expense, they were utilised by very few people.

In the past thirty years, the commercial promotion of embalming has greatly increased. There has also been an increase in the use of unqualified embalmers over this period. Embalming is particularly evident amongst larger commercial funeral directors in urban locations. Conversely, the process is less common in rural areas, where small funeral directing businesses predominate. This is, in part, due to them lacking the facilities necessary to embalm the body. Also, some funeral directors appear to oppose the process.

The current use of the word 'embalming' may be misleading. The process is generally referred to as 'hygienic treatment'. It is used to improve the visual appearance of the body, and to prevent deterioration in the period leading up to the funeral. It has no long-term preservative value and cannot be compared with the Egyptian concept of preserving bodies.

The decision as to the merits of embalming must lie with the individual although a number of issues should be considered.

Environmental issues

The embalming process involves removing the body fluids and replacing them with a solution of formaldehyde, often containing a pink dye. The body fluids are treated and disposed of via the public sewer. The embalming fluid normally consists of a 2% solution of formaldehyde, an irritant, volatile acid. Approximately one pint of embalming fluid per stone weight of the body, plus one pint, is used. Consequently, one to two gallons of embalming fluid can be used and the effect of this on soil, soil organisms and air quality following burial or cremation needs further independent research. Our ignorance of the consequences of using this chemical is a cause for concern. In particular, the chemical is used by funeral directors and embalmers who carry no responsibility for its impact on the cemetery, crematorium or community.

In some burial schemes, such as woodland burial, all chemicals may be prohibited. This restriction may apply to embalming fluid as well as to horticultural chemicals. Alternative embalming fluids, not using formaldehyde, are becoming increasingly available.

Is embalming necessary?

It is difficult to find support for routine embalming in the medical profession. There is no evidence that a body poses a threat to the living, except where death was due to a notifiable disease. No evidence exists of funeral directing, cemetery or crematorium staff obtaining an infection from an unembalmed body. Embalmers suggest that the process thoroughly disinfects the body and removes any risk, however slight, to any person who may come into contact with the body. Conversely, it would be logical to assume that if a real health risk existed, embalming would be mandatory. In fact, when a person dies of a notifiable disease, embalming is not allowed.

The British Institute of Embalmers comment as follows:

"The visual characteristics of a badly damaged body may be improved by additional specialised treatment where time is available. To be effective, it may be necessary to carry out the treatment over more than 24 hours. Effective cosmetic treatment in such cases may also decrease the trauma of a sudden death, and the benefit is almost always acknowledged by the bereaved."

It should be noted that where the person required a high intake of drugs during their terminal illness, their body could deteriorate rapidly. This can be delayed by refrigeration.

Viewing the body

You need to consider carefully whether you will benefit from viewing the body at the funeral director's premises. If you do not intend to view the body then there appears no valid reason to choose embalming. You may also have viewed the body immediately after death and have no wish to repeat this at the funeral director's premises.

You should appreciate that if you wish to view the body; you may be required to pay a fee for using the funeral director's Chapel of Rest (or Repose). Embalming may also be recommended as a pre-requisite to viewing, the implication being that an unembalmed body may cause distress. You may also feel that you are expected to view the body and that this is a normal occurrence.

The quality of embalming

The British Institute of Embalmers (BIE) offers training and certification for members to maintain an identified standard of embalming. Their members may be self-employed and provide a service to funeral directors, or are funeral directors or their staff. It takes a minimum one hour to correctly embalm a body and the charge for this is £20.00 to £25.00 (1996), which includes the cost of chemicals, etc.

Some comments by the bereaved suggest that following embalming, the facial features of the body have been altered. Also, that the drawn appearance of the person prior to death, has been reversed by the unnatural filling-out effect of the embalming fluid. If this occurs, you may wish to check with your funeral director whether the embalmer is qualified.

Do you have a choice?

You should reasonably expect to be informed about the embalming process and the advantages it offers. It should only be undertaken where an effective result is judged to be achievable. Unfortunately, this does not always occur. This is because many people accept the process as 'hygienic treatment' and do not recognise it as embalming. Also, the process may be routinely carried out as an inclusive part of the funeral 'package', without express permission. This decision is important, as the process will involve an additional cost of up to £50.00 (1996) on the funeral account. In fact, the BIE have issued a Code of Ethics that clearly supports the need to make a specific decision about embalming. This states: "The client’s informed consent, preferably in writing, must be obtained."

If you are opposed to embalming, it may be advisable to expressly forbid it.