No. However, it can be necessary in some cases, such as for a funeral with viewing. It is also sometimes the funeral home’s prerogative to require embalming if funeral plans are delayed, or if there is a long wait for family members to arrive in town. Embalming is also sometimes required when the body is being transported from one state to another.
I don’t advocate the practice. I don’t think it should be done. The usual cost is ridiculously high, along with the rest of the commercial funeral business. They should all be ashamed for taking advantage of the grieving families. Just my opinion.
In some cases, it is not necessary and in some it is, I work in as funeral home and yet I totally agree with green burials, I have also seen families that came in that wouldn’t have been allowed closure had it not been we embalmed, especially after an autopsy. If you ever saw the hard work that goes into making the person presentable to the family as if nothing happened, you would understand. I still totally agree with green burials.