Minnesota Statutes Health (Ch. 144-159) § 145.161. Dissection; when permitted

The right to dissect the dead body of a human being shall be limited to: (a) cases specially provided by statute, or by the direction or will of the deceased; (b) cases where a coroner is authorized to hold an inquest upon the body, and then only so far as the coroner may authorize dissection; (c) cases where the husband or wife shall authorize dissection for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death, and then only to the extent so authorized; and (d) cases where one of the next of kin, charged by law with the duty of burial, shall authorize dissection for the purpose of ascertaining the cause of death and then only to the extent so authorized, provided no dissection shall be performed pursuant to this clause if there is objection by anyone of such next of kin. Every person who shall make, cause or procure to be made, any dissection of the body of a human being, except as hereinbefore provided, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.