Who may obtain copies of an autopsy report and death certificate?
The cause and manner of death (contained in a death certificate) is a matter of public record and can be released unless release of such information will hinder or harm an on-going criminal investigation [Iowa Code 22.7(4)]. An autopsy report (which is confidential and treated as a medical record), is available only to the immediate and legal next of kin of the deceased (spouse, adult child, parent, adult sibling, grandparent, guardian), and to investigating law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices. Iowa law provides this guidance for release of autopsy reports under Iowa Code sec.
