If a consumer declines embalming, what must the provider offer?

• A. Embalming anyway with surcharge
• B. Viable alternatives (such as refrigeration or direct cremation) and any resulting price adjustments.
• C. No alternatives
• D. Free embalming

Answer: (B)

When a consumer declines embalming, the FTC Funeral Rule requires the provider to offer viable alternatives to preserve or dispose of the body and to disclose any price adjustments that result from choosing those alternatives. This protects the consumer and ensures transparent, informed decision-making. Viable alternatives include refrigeration to slow decomposition or direct cremation, among other non-embalming options. If the consumer selects one of these, the provider should quote the price for that option and reflect any reduction or change from the embalming option. There is no requirement to proceed with embalming or to offer it for free, and simply not offering alternatives would not meet the rule.