Under what circumstance is embalming typically required?

Embalming is typically required when a body is being transported across state lines due to legal and health regulations designed to ensure public safety. The process of embalming helps preserve the body during transit, preventing decomposition and making it more sanitary. Each state has its own laws regarding the handling of human remains, which often stipulate embalming if the body will be transported over long distances or if there will be a delay in burial or cremation.

This requirement is rooted in the need to adhere to public health standards and to provide a dignified transport of the deceased. Therefore, when transporting a body across state lines, embalming is not just recommended, but often mandated by regulations to avoid contamination and protect the health of the living.