Does a dead body have to be embalmed?
No, it is not a New York State law that a body has to be embalmed except in certain cases such as: death caused by a reportable contagious disease, or if the body is to be transported from one State to another by a common carrier, (aircraft, train, etc..) Most funeral homes will require embalming however if there is to be an open casket viewing of the body or if the body is to be held for an extended period of time before services and disposition can take place.
