• Embalming is optional in many cases.sign: funeral route image by Empath from Fotolia.com
  
  The death of a loved one often brings the need to make difficult decisions. Deciding whether or not to have a body embalmed depends largely on the viewing schedule and the wishes and religious beliefs of the deceased. The state of Kansas has its own laws regarding embalming. The state is very straightforward as to when embalming is required, how it is to be performed and exemptions from certain embalming rules.
  
  

Requirements

• There is no state law in Kansas that says embalming is required. In Kansas, a body may be interred or cremated without being embalmed if interment or cremation takes place within 24 hours of death. the period of time can be slightly extended for religious reasons or if the body was refrigerated or in a sealed container after death.
  
  

Infectious Diseases

• Embalming is encouraged if the person died of an infectious or contagious disease. However, Kansas law still doesn't make it mandatory as long as certain conditions are met. If the person died from an infectious or contagious disease then the body must be taken care of by an embalmer with a state of Kansas license. If cremation is scheduled to occur within 24 hours of death then embalming isn't mandatory by law. If the body is to be buried within 24 hours, embalming is still not required but the body must be placed in a sealed metal container until burial.
  
  

Permission

• Some funeral homes will encourage embalming if the body is to be viewed. Embalming helps preserve the body for this purpose. However, in Kansas the funeral home must get permission from the next of kin, or person with power of attorney before they can begin the process. State law also requires that funeral homes list the costs of embalming procedures clearly for the family members. If the family member wishes to view the body before preparation, the funeral home may not interfere. They may discourage viewing if the cause of death badly damaged the body or if the body isn't to be embalmed. However, they have no legal right to stop family members who insist.