Many
people avoid words associated with death and funerals. At the James E.
Churchman, Jr. Funeral Home, we want to help you overcome your fears by
providing information about our industry.
Visit us often to read the various topics, issues and answers to questions
about death, funerals and pre-planning.
Embalming
Embalming dates back to the time of the Egyptians. Modern US embalming can be
traced to the time of the Civil War when casualties occurred far from home, and
families wished to have their loved ones sent home to them for final services.
The process of embalming basically entails replacing blood with a specially
formulated arterial fluid, which preserves human tissues.
Embalming is done for two primary reasons: preservation and sanitation. However,
most states do not require embalming under all circumstances. In New Jersey,
embalming is not required if final disposition will be within 48 hours of death,
if the deceased did not die of a communicable disease, or if the deceased will
not be shipped out of state. By law, funeral homes must offer consumers the
right to decline embalming if none of the scenarios above apply.
When you receive the General Price List from your funeral service
professional, you will see a price for embalming. If you do not desire
embalming, you may decline at the time of your arrangement conference. If
embalming is necessary, your funeral director will explain why to you in
writing.
