Introduction: Recent controversy over the unauthorized use of organs obtained at autopsy has generated increased scrutiny of consent practices for postmortem examination. Autopsy consent forms are often the only source of written information a family receives about an autopsy, and are the best indication for what information is shared in the consent process. However, there is minimal data on what information is actually contained on forms currently in use. We conducted a survey of U.S. teaching hospitals to examine autopsy consent forms and any associated educational materials given to families or clinicians during the consent process. Methods: Materials were requested from all hospitals with a pediatric critical care fellowship, and from a random selection of adult hospitals with medical residency training programs, as listed in the Directory of Graduate Medical Education Programs. The consent forms were analyzed for adherence to the minimum standards set by the College of American Pathologists (a statement authorizing tissue retention and/or disposal; space for potential restrictions of the autopsy procedure; and a statement of informed consent) and as to whether options to limit the autopsy were offered to the family. Results: A response rate of 98% (45/46) was obtained for pediatric programs and 68% (82/119) for internal medicine programs. 93% of all forms obtained contained a statement that organs would be “removed” or“retained”, and 92% contained space for potential restrictions of the autopsy procedure. However, 72% failed to mention a final disposition of the organs (“destroyed,” “disposed of” or“permanently removed.”) In addition, 99% did not offer options to the standard autopsy procedure (i.e. biopsy only, in situ exam, limited incision, etc.) 97% of the forms did not contain associated educational materials for the family and 93% did not contain materials for the physician obtaining consent. Finally, 93% of the forms did not contain a statement of informed consent (i.e. “I have read the consent and all my questions have been answered.”) Conclusions: Despite guidelines from the College of American Pathologists, a substantial majority of autopsy consent forms from this study of 127 U.S. teaching hospitals frequently lack information that may assist physicians and families in the consent process. This data supports the need for teaching institutions to review and revise their autopsy consent practice.