From The National Law Review’s conclusion:

Ultimately, the family of the patient must make this tough decision. Many people have religious and moral views about autopsies and choose not to have them performed. Further, many people tell their family that they do not want an autopsy in the event of their death and family members follow that that request. However, a lack of autopsy may preclude the filing of a meritorious case.

I’ve even attended my client’s autopsies. But that’s a story for another day.