on Death Certificate cause of death was censored. Why?

Question

I was doing some research and I found a death certificate of a relative where the cause of death was literally labeled as *****.

Is that some kind of doctors code for a cause? Was it censored? It appears to be a five letter word. Can anyone think of a five letter word for a cause of death?

Answer 1

If you are referring to an actual death certificate, in the US it is not censored. Doctors and medical examiners were not that "polite" as to withhold the cause. I have seen the X used when the cause was not known at the time the certificate had to be prepared and an amended one was to be completed later. I have also seen the cause left blank. You might look for an amended one. If the certificate is from Great Britain or Canada I have have seen a few actual documents, but do not know the specific practice when the cause is not known at the time the document has to be prepared.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Is this the actual certificate or an online transcription?



Also when and where was the death.... that can make a whole lot of difference to why someone would write that, what causes of death terminology was used and the age of the person who died also may help........



Clearly the doctor who signed it didn't know cause or it would be written...or 'no'/natural cause because of age

Answer 4

Some information is considered private, even after death. Depending on your state laws, the cause of death is only released to certain close relatives. That means copies of a death record can be available with this information missing. It's not likely due to any specific or certain reason. Just general family privacy.

Answer 5

Okay right here in IL, that you would be able to be cremated only after 24 hours has handed after demise, AND your death certificates, burial allow, and coroners allow to cremate have been filed. If that has all been finished sure that you would be able to be cremated. The intent of death will not be invariably identified right away. If it is a coroners case it will take as much as a few wks. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Do you have a date or location, possibly, to reference?

It could be a way for them to indicate they don't know the cause or suicide. The suicide possibility is especially likely for wealthier and/or public folks who could not let it be known they did something so 'shameful' because it would reflect on the family's place in local society. Also, if this is an electronic copy you were looking at, it could be state/national laws preventing the cause from being indicated. Stranger laws exist.

Answer 7

I will back up what the others have said...

You are not giving enough info for us to help you.

IF THIS COMES FROM SOMEWHERE ONLINE..it is very possible that you have a death RECORD (like in an index), which ISN'T the actual death certificate itself.

Please, REPOST THE QUESTION with more details and where you got this...we may be able to help.

Answer 8

Death Records Search Database : http://www.DeathRecordsInfo.com/Official