Can a representative of a scientific institution or medical facility order burial or cremation?

• A. Yes, in every case upon institutional request.
• B. Yes, if the deceased signed a prepaid cremation contract.
• C. No, only family may order.
• D. Yes, if the deceased donated their body to the institution.

Answer: (D)

When someone donates their body to a scientific or medical institution, the donation agreement gives the institution the authority to control the remains after use, including deciding on burial or cremation. In that case, a representative of the institution can order burial or cremation on the donor’s behalf because the donor’s consent and the contract with the institution authorize that disposition. This reflects the donor’s autonomy over post-use remains and the institution’s responsibility to carry out the donation terms.

The other ideas don’t fit because disposition isn’t automatic in every situation, and it depends on the donor’s agreement; a prepaid cremation contract is a separate arrangement tied to a funeral home, not the body-donation pathway; and the belief that only family may order ignores donation scenarios where control over disposition is transferred to the institution via the donation agreement.