Preservation care (thanatopraxy): is it compulsory?
Introduction
When a loved one passes away, families often face complex decisions regarding the preparation of the body. Among these, the question of preservation care, also called thanatopraxy, frequently arises. Are these technical interventions, often costly, truly compulsory in Switzerland?
The short answer: no, thanatopraxy is not compulsory for standard funerals on Swiss territory. Yet many families are offered these services without always understanding their actual usefulness or the situations where they become necessary.
Certain contexts do require these services: international repatriation in a coffin, prolonged presentation of the body or particular sanitary conditions. But in the majority of cases, other options exist, often less expensive and more environmentally friendly.
This article clarifies Swiss regulations regarding body preservation, explains in which situations these services are truly required, and helps you make an informed decision that respects your values, your budget and the dignity of the deceased person.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Preservation care (thanatopraxy) is not compulsory in Switzerland for standard funerals. It becomes necessary mainly for international repatriation in a coffin or prolonged presentation of the body. Swiss regulations primarily impose strict sanitary deadlines, but leave the choice of preservation method to families.
These services represent a significant cost and raise environmental questions. Alternatives exist according to your needs, values and budget.
📚 Table of contents
- What is thanatopraxy (preservation care)?
- Is thanatopraxy compulsory in Switzerland?
- In which cases is preservation care required?
- Swiss regulations: deadlines and sanitary obligations
- How much does preservation care cost?
- Environmental aspects and alternatives
- How to decide if these services are necessary for you?
What is thanatopraxy (preservation care)?
Thanatopraxy, also called preservation care, is a set of medical techniques that aim to slow down the natural decomposition of the body after death. A qualified thanatopractor injects chemical preservatives into the circulatory system to temporarily preserve the body.
These services differ from simple laying out, which consists only of washing and dressing the deceased to present them with dignity. Embalming is an older term that broadly refers to the same preservation practice.
Thanatopraxy allows the body to be preserved for approximately 10 to 15 days under appropriate conditions. It requires specialised training and professional equipment.
Is thanatopraxy compulsory in Switzerland?
No, preservation care is not compulsory in Switzerland for funerals organised on national territory. Simple laying out is sufficient in the vast majority of cases.
It is a choice that belongs entirely to the family. Funeral homes may offer this service, but they can never impose it if it is not required by particular circumstances.
Common alternatives include refrigeration of the body in cold rooms at funeral homes or hospitals. This method allows legal deadlines between death and burial or cremation to be respected without resorting to chemical products.
In which cases is preservation care required?
Certain situations make thanatopraxy necessary or strongly recommended for sanitary, legal or practical reasons.
The three main cases concern international repatriation in a coffin, prolonged presentation of the deceased over several days, and certain particular circumstances of death.
Here is a detailed overview of situations where these services become relevant or compulsory:
International repatriation in a coffin
Air transport of a coffin almost always requires preservation care. International sanitary regulations (notably IATA standards) impose this condition for public health reasons.
Airlines and destination countries generally refuse to accept an untreated body. This requirement aims to prevent any sanitary risk during transport and upon arrival.
Funeral homes specialising in repatriation know these obligations precisely and can guide you. You can find qualified professionals via the Funere funeral homes directory.
Presentation of the body over several days
If the family wishes to organise a prolonged funeral vigil with presentation of the deceased for several days, preservation care may be recommended.
This practice allows a dignified appearance to be maintained and sanitary standards to be respected during prolonged viewing. However, refrigeration may be sufficient depending on timeframes and conditions.
It is a family decision that depends on your wishes, your cultural or religious traditions, and the advice of funeral homes. No legal obligation exists in Switzerland for this scenario.
Death under certain particular conditions
Certain circumstances of death may require specific care: contagious diseases, significant trauma, or exceptionally long delays before the funeral.
In these situations, precise sanitary protocols governed by cantonal and federal authorities apply. Funeral professionals work in collaboration with public health services.
These cases remain rare and require case-by-case assessment. Funeral homes will inform you if particular care is required by health authorities.
Swiss regulations: deadlines and sanitary obligations
Swiss regulations concerning body preservation vary slightly according to canton. Generally, a minimum period of 48 hours must elapse between death and burial or cremation.
The maximum period is a few days (often 5 to 8 days depending on canton). Without preservation care, the body must be kept cold in refrigerated rooms.
Funeral homes have the necessary equipment for this cold preservation. To better understand the legal framework surrounding death in Switzerland, consult our article on death and the law.
How much does preservation care cost?
In Switzerland, preservation care generally costs between 400 and 800 CHF depending on region and provider. This fee is added to other funeral costs (coffin, ceremony, burial or cremation).
It is an optional service in most cases. Families can refuse if it is not necessary for legal or sanitary reasons.
Do not hesitate to request a detailed quote from funeral homes and ask all your questions about the actual usefulness of these services in your situation. At Funere, we believe in pricing transparency: publishing an obituary costs a fixed 180 CHF, with no hidden fees.
Environmental aspects and alternatives
The chemical products used in thanatopraxy (formaldehyde and other preservatives) have a significant environmental impact. They can contaminate soil during burial and raise ethical questions for families sensitive to environmental concerns.
More and more people prefer to avoid these services to favour more environmentally friendly alternatives: natural refrigeration, short periods between death and funeral, or choosing ecological funerals.
To explore these options, consult our articles on ecological burial and how to prepare an ecological funeral.
How to decide if these services are necessary for you?
To make an informed decision regarding thanatopraxy, ask yourself a few essential questions:
Is international repatriation planned?
What is the timeframe before the funeral?
Do you wish for prolonged presentation of the deceased?
What are your personal values (environmental concerns, budget)?
Speak openly with funeral homes and do not hesitate to refuse if these services are not necessary in your situation. Funere helps you find trusted funeral homes via its directory to support you in these choices.
Thanatopraxy is not compulsory in the majority of situations in Switzerland. It becomes necessary mainly during international repatriation in a coffin, prolonged presentation of the body or under certain specific sanitary conditions. Swiss legal deadlines generally allow funerals to be organised without resorting to these preservation services.
The cost of these services varies between 500 and 1,500 CHF depending on complexity and region. If you have questions about the environmental impact of this practice, be aware that ecological alternatives exist to organise funerals that respect the planet.
The decision belongs to the family, in dialogue with the funeral director. Take the time to assess your actual needs, your budget and your values. If you need to publish an obituary, Funere supports you with a simple and accessible solution at 180 CHF, to inform your loved ones quickly and with dignity.
