人類学
オープンアクセス

概要

No Embalming for French HIV+: Ultimate Discrimination or Educational Issue?

Christian Herv?

Our objective is to describe and analyze the reasons for preventing embalming processes for HIV+ individuals in France. Arguments from both embalmers and health authorities, and patients’ relatives and associations are presented here after, with recent historical and ethical development data. Aesthetic-only cares have never been forbidden or restricted for any HIV+ patient. Invasive processes (i.e. embalming stricto sensu) could be authorized in the future, if performed in adequate conditions of practice. This position is a good step forward towards post-mortem equity for HIV+ patients. The right balance has to be found between absolute protection of professionals, and the respect due to the dead and their image through embalming and body conservation, visible by the family. Such topic and focus confirm that infectious disease is of primary importance for medical ethics. We lastly discuss the possibility that is this more of an educational issue (misunderstanding of the risks) in getting the ban legally changed.