An autopsy or post-mortem examination may be performed upon the body of a deceased person by a physician whenever the written consent to the examination or autopsy has been obtained by any of the following persons, in order of priority stated when persons in prior classes are not available at the time of death, and in the absence of actual notice of contrary indications by the decedent or actual notice of opposition by a member of the same or prior class:
1. The spouse.
2. An adult son or daughter.
3. Either parent.
4. An adult brother or sister.
5. A guardian of the person of the decedent at the time of the decedent's death.
6. Any other person authorized or under obligation to dispose of the body.
This section does not apply to any death investigated under the authority of sections 331.802 to 331.804.
[C75, 77, 79, 81, S81, § 144.56; 81 Acts, ch 117, § 1207]
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