Does embalming have a purpose?
Embalming, though not required by law in Connecticut except in certain situations, does have a purpose. It sanitizes and retards the decomposition process, enhancing the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. It makes possible the lengthening of time between the death and the final disposition, thus allowing time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to the family. Certain situations that require embalming would include a funeral service with public visitation or transportation by common carrier when death occurs in a distant location.
