No, embalming (the chemical preservation of the dead body) is never required by law.
One of the biggest myths about embalming is that the process is necessary to sanitize the body and make it safe for the family to view. You can learn more about the origins of this myth in this video from our founder Caitlin, Are Dead Bodies Dangerous?
At Clarity Funerals, we do what is in our power to avoid embalming and the additional expense it brings families. There are rare instances that we would recommend it. One such instance includes the shipping of your loved one across the country or to another country. Another instance would be if damage to the body is incredibly severe, in which case embalming can make the damage easier to repair, ensuring you can see the person. In both of these case, far less toxic “green” embalming fluids will be used.