To: Washington State Legislature
From: Concerned Families and Supporters of Transparency in Healthcare

Why This Matters

When a loved one passes away, families are often left with more questions than answers. In the midst of profound grief, they must make difficult decisions, including whether to request an autopsy. However, hospitals are not currently required to inform next of kin about all available autopsy options or information, including services through the county coroner, third-party providers, or a timeline of services provided.

This lack of transparency leaves families uninformed, causing delays in closure, additional financial burdens, and, in some cases, a lifetime of unanswered questions. No family should have to endure unnecessary confusion or distress when seeking the truth about a loved one's passing.

That’s why I am calling for Shirley’s Law | The Autopsy Rights Disclosure Act, named in honor of my mom who passed away suddenly in 2023. Due to the lack of clear information about autopsy options, my family waited five months for an autopsy report, only to be told her death was inconclusive. Due to the length of time waiting, she was cremated and we lost any option to figure why she had passed. We only realized later that they had other options we were never told about. This should never happen to another grieving family.

What Shirley’s Law Would Do

Shirley’s Law would require hospitals to provide clear, standardized information about autopsy rights and options. The key provisions include:

✅ Mandatory Disclosure: Hospitals must inform next of kin about all available autopsy options, including hospital autopsies, county coroner services, and third-party providers.
✅ Timely Notification: Families must be informed within 24 hours of the death or before any autopsy decision is finalized.
✅ Written and Verbal Communication: Information must be provided in writing and explained verbally in a compassionate, culturally appropriate manner.
✅ Financial Transparency: Hospitals must disclose potential costs for hospital autopsies and provide guidance on free or lower-cost options available through the coroner’s office.
✅ Standardized Brochure: The Washington State Department of Health will create a clear, standardized brochure outlining all autopsy options and timelines, which must be provided to families.
✅ Implementation & Accountability: Hospitals must train staff on these disclosure requirements, launch a public awareness campaign, and be subject to oversight to ensure compliance.

Why This Law Is Urgent

🔹 Families Deserve Closure: Losing a loved one is devastating. Not knowing the cause of death—or waiting months for answers—can prolong the grief process. Timely, clear information is essential for healing.

🔹 Informed Decisions Should Be a Right, Not a Privilege: Families should not have to hunt for information or only learn about their rights after it’s too late. This law ensures they receive all the facts upfront.

🔹 Equity in Healthcare: Many families—particularly those from marginalized communities—may not know that lower-cost or free options exist through the county coroner. This law ensures everyone receives equal access to information.

🔹 A Simple, Common-Sense Change: This law does not place a burden on hospitals but simply ensures they share critical information with grieving families. Transparency should be standard, not optional.

Sign the Petition

We, the undersigned, urge the Washington State Legislature to pass Shirley’s Law | The Autopsy Rights Disclosure Act to ensure that no family is left in the dark when making decisions about autopsies. Transparency, accountability, and compassion in healthcare are non-negotiable.

Sign & Share
💬 Add Your Name – Let lawmakers know this matters to you.
📢 Spread the Word – Share this petition with family, friends, and your community.
📩 Contact Lawmakers – Email your state representatives and urge them to support Shirley’s Law.

It’s time to demand transparency in hospital policies. Let’s ensure every family gets the answers they deserve.

🔹 SIGN NOW to Support Shirley’s Law!