§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the routine removal of brains and other body organs in post mortems and the arrangements for their return to the body; and if he will make a statement. [24463]
§ Mr. SackvilleThe removal of the brain, or other body organs, is a standard procedure in many post mortem examinations, in accordance with Royal College of Pathology guidelines and the clinical judgment of the pathologist. The procedure may be essential for determining the medical cause of death, even in cases where this may not at first appear connected with the condition of the organs in question. We therefore have no plans for a specific review, but these issues will be raised as part of wider discussions with the Department of Health later this year.