The introduction of the obligation for a second postmortem examination before cremation is further delayed in Bavaria. It will now be postponed again, the Bavarian Ministry of Health confirmed upon request. The Bayerischer Rundfunk had previously reported. “It is currently scheduled for spring 2025.”
Almost five years ago, in November 2019, the Bavarian state parliament decided to make the corresponding change to the burial regulations. It was originally supposed to come into force on January 1, 2023, then the date was postponed to July 1, 2024 – and now it will be even later.
The Ministry of Health cites “significant organizational requirements” as the reasons for the delay, for example because crematoria still need to be converted. In addition, enough doctors would have to be recruited for the second post-mortem examination.
Forensic experts are in favor of a second postmortem examination so that possible crimes can be uncovered. If the body of the victim of a suspected violent crime is burned, any evidence will also disappear. In other federal states, this second postmortem examination is already mandatory.