In which situation can an autopsy NOT be performed on the deceased under an Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy?

In the context of an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) policy, it's important to understand the circumstances under which an autopsy can or cannot be performed. An autopsy is generally conducted to determine the cause of death, especially when benefits are claimed under the policy.

The correct answer indicates that an autopsy cannot be performed in situations where the state prohibits this by law. Certain jurisdictions have specific legal regulations regarding autopsies, including circumstances where they may not be allowed or when the consent of a next of kin is required and not provided. If state law prohibits the autopsy, there is no way to conduct this investigation, which directly impacts the ability to validate claims under the policy.

In scenarios considering foul play or an unknown cause of death, an autopsy would typically be more critical and likely to be performed to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death. Consent issues can complicate the process, but they do not universally prevent an autopsy from occurring in the same definitive way that state law can. Therefore, the implementation of state laws provides a concrete boundary on the performance of autopsies, making it the correct answer.