Home funerals are both safe and legal. In all states, it is legal to have your loved one’s body at home after they die. Unless your loved one has something like ebola, taking universal precautions will provide necessary protection from exposure to pathogens.

Home Funerals in Oregon:

• Oregon does not require you to involve a licensed funeral director in making or carrying out final arrangements. 
• In Oregon, anyone can perform the functions of a funeral director for family or community members as long as they are not paid to do so. 
• In Oregon, it is legal for a family member or friend to transport a deceased body. The death certificate, once signed by the medical certifier, serves as the transportation permit or a deceased person’s doctor or a medical examiner can grant permission in writing to move the body for purposes of burial or cremation. 

General information:

• The National Home Funeral Alliance website includes home funeral guides and related resources.
• The Funeral Consumers Alliance website debunks myths about the "dangers" of dead bodies and the need for embalming.
• Great Goodbyes helps folks plan end of life celebrations and funerals that feel special and meaningful
• The sites www.oregonfuneral.org and www.washingtonfuneral.org have a wealth of non-commercial, state-specific resources for more in-depth DIY information on family- and community-directed death care