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Body scan option for religious groups


29/ 5/2008

BEREAVED families in Greater Manchester who object to post mortem examinations on religious grounds will be able to opt for an electronic body scan instead.

Coroners are backing an initiative spearheaded in Bolton to give greater choice to relatives. Some faiths, particularly Muslim and Jewish, are uncomfortable with invasive post mortem examinations.


Bolton coroner Jennifer Leeming has been running a trial scheme where pathologists use a hospital scanner instead of a conventional post mortem.

The MRI scans cariied out at North Manchester Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary are `more than 99 per cent accurate', she says, and cost £500. Families opting for one are asked to pay.

Mrs Leeming, who has ordered 22 scans this year alone, said: "A lot of people object to invasive post-mortem or find the idea very uncomfortable. This is an option that is available to them.It is available to everyone. It is not just for those who have a faith objection.

"My duty is to discover that cause of death. No more, no less. If that is discovered with a scan, then my duty is fulfilled.

"It has been really well received in the community."
Coroner Nigel Meadows confirmed that the scans were being offered across Greater Manchester. He said: "They are appropriate in certain cases but obviously forensic examination will never be replaced."

Solomon Adler, who liaises with the Jewish Burial Board, said: "A lot of people do not want their loved ones carved up on humanitarian grounds.

"We object to post mortems on religious grounds and the Jewish community welcomes the initiative, but it is not just about different faiths."

Mo Mangera, of the Bolton Council of Mosques, said: "It is for everyone. It does not matter about the faith. It is all about the choice. It is really welcome in the Muslim community."


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   If cause of death is unknown, then post mortem should be carried to find what and how death of a human was "caused". Body scan may not clearly establish the real cause of death without carrying out other tests. How are the authorities going to make sure no crime or foul play did take place, without proper post mortem by professionals.
Shamas
29/05/2008 at 11:03
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