Obesity: The Post Mortem - Behind the Scenes
The Human Tissue Authority (HTA) is a statutory regulator established in 2005 to oversee compliance with the Human Tissue Act 2004. They license organisations that have reason to use human bodies and tissue, and aim to maintain public confidence that human tissue and organs are used safely, ethically, and with proper consent, which is a fundamental principle of the Act.
The HTA can neither endorse nor oppose the filming of these activities – but they can provide advice to ensure that filming is not contrary to the consent given by the individual or their family, and the deceased and their family are treated with dignity and respect.
Post-mortems may only be carried out on premises that are licensed by the HTA, and are under the oversight of a Designated Individual, who is responsible for ensuring suitable practices on the premises. They would expect the DI to contact them if they were approached by anyone wishing to film or photograph activities taking place in their mortuary.
