Text of Statute

(A) A county coroner who performs an autopsy under section 313.13 of the Revised Code may, except as provided in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, remove the pituitary gland from the body and give it to the national pituitary agency to use for research and in manufacturing a hormone necessary for the physical growth of persons who are hypopituitary dwarfs, or to any other agency or organization to use for such research and manufacturing.

(B) If the pituitary gland is unnecessary for the successful completion of the autopsy or for evidence, the coroner shall not alter a gift made by the decedent or any other authorized person under Chapter 2108 . of the Revised Code to an organization.

(C) If the pituitary gland is unnecessary for the successful completion of the autopsy or for evidence, the coroner shall not remove the pituitary gland under division (A) of this section if the next of kin of the decedent notifies the coroner that he objects to the actions of the coroner on the ground that the actions would violate the tenets of a well-recognized religion.

HISTORY: 137 v S 449. Eff 10-19-78.