Under what circumstances can a funeral director refuse to embalm a body?

A funeral director must obtain consent from the person responsible for the arrangements before proceeding with embalming a body. This requirement is rooted in ethical practices and legal regulations that protect the rights of the deceased and the wishes of the family. Without explicit consent, the funeral director cannot proceed with embalming, regardless of other factors. This emphasizes the importance of communication and respect for the family's wishes in the handling of a loved one's remains.

The other circumstances listed do not provide a legal basis for refusing to embalm a body. For instance, while a decomposed body might not be suitable for embalming, this is not a blanket refusal—it depends on the conditions of the body. Payment issues do not grant the funeral director the right to refuse a service without prior arrangements being addressed. Additionally, being too busy is not an acceptable reason to refuse professional responsibilities, as funeral directors are expected to prioritize the respectful treatment of the deceased.