Can you stop your own autopsy?

James Ross received a settlement for damages caused by inhaling asbestos.

As part of the agreement, he agreed to an autopsy (such a provision is a standard requirement of asbestos settlements in Washington). 

James faces an impending death from a rare type of cancer (mesothelioma) caused by the asbestos.  He now wants to back out of his agreement to allow the autopsy claiming that the Washington requirement is unconstitutional.

There is an exception to the autopsy requirement in cases of religious objections but James does not object on a religious ground – he simple doesn’t want it done because it is very invasive.

See Peter Page, Man Goes to Court to Fight His Own Impending Autopsy, Law.com, Nov. 6, 2008.

Special thanks to Deborah Letz (attorney, San Antonio, Texas) and for bringing this situation to my attention.