Can private individuals commission a forensic post-mortem examination?

No. A forensic post-mortem examination is ordered by the competent authority, usually the public prosecutor's office.

If relatives have medical questions about the cause of death, a clinical-pathological autopsy may be considered depending on the situation. This differs from a forensic post-mortem examination: its primary purpose is the medical clarification of the cause of death, quality assurance and, where applicable, the clarification of questions relating to illnesses or treatments.

A clinical autopsy generally requires consent, either given by the deceased person during their lifetime or by the relatives. Registration is also usually made by a physician. Possible commissioners include, in particular, treating physicians, general practitioners, insurance companies or authorities. At the University Hospital Zurich, the Institute of Pathology and Molecular Pathology is responsible for pathological autopsies; at Kantonsspital Winterthur, the Institute of Pathology is responsible. For deaths outside the Canton of Zurich where a pathological autopsy is being considered, we recommend contacting the nearest hospital with a pathology department or the family doctor's practice directly in order to plan the next steps.