Embalming is defined as the preservation of a body from decay, originally with spices and more recently through arterial injection of embalming fluid.
You will have to give consent for this process to happen. If you are against the process, then you can reject it.
If you are considering embalming
You should only consider embalming if an effective result is judged to be achievable from the process. The process could involve an additional cost to your arrangements.
Your funeral director or person assisting or advising you with the funeral arrangements should let you know about the embalming process.
There is little support for routine embalming across the medical profession, and no evidence to indicate that a dead 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 un–embalmed body, with embalmers suggesting that the process thoroughly disinfects the body and removes any risk, however slight, to any person coming into contact with the body.
The embalming process
The current use of the word “embalming” can be misleading. The process is generally referred to as cosmetic embalming. 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 the decision as to the advantage 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 usually containing a pink dye. The body fluids are treated and disposed of via the public sewer. Consequently, embalming fluid and the effect of this on soil, soil organisms and air quality following burial or cremation needs further independent research.
The chemical is used by funeral directors and embalmers who carry no responsibility for its impact on the cemetery, crematorium or community, and in some burial schemes, such as woodland burial, all chemicals may be prohibited.
Viewing the deceased
Careful consideration should be given as to whether you would benefit from viewing the deceased. If you do not intend to view the deceased then there appears no valid reason to choose embalming. You should also appreciate that if you wish to view the body, you will be required to pay a fee for using the funeral director's chapel of rest or repose.
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. It takes a minimum of one hour to correctly embalm a body. You may wish to check with your funeral director whether the embalmer is qualified.