Is it permissible for a person to sign their own cremation authorizations before death?

The correct response is that it is permissible for a person to sign their own cremation authorizations before death. This practice is consistent with the legal concept of advance directives, where individuals can express their wishes regarding their end-of-life arrangements, including cremation, before they pass away.

Signing their own cremation authorization allows individuals to have control over their final wishes, ensuring that their preferences are documented and can be followed once they are unable to communicate those desires. This act is recognized legally in many jurisdictions, granting individuals the autonomy to make decisions about their own remains without needing a family member or a funeral director to affirm those decisions.

This approach supports the values of self-determination and personal choice in end-of-life care, allowing those who wish to prearrange their cremation services to do so clearly and unequivocally. It is important, however, to ensure that the authorization is completed in accordance with local laws and regulations to ensure its validity after the individual's passing.