The Autopsy Initiative, created under Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, provides free, independent autopsies for families seeking truth and transparency after sudden, unexpected, or unclear deaths. In this episode of The Medical Collective, Dr. Keisha Davis is joined by attorney Nicole Martin, Legal Program Director for the Autopsy Initiative, to discuss why these services are needed, the gaps in the medicolegal death investigation system, and how independent autopsies can help families navigate grief, accountability, and justice.
Dr. Davis is joined in conversation by **Dr. Sharon Smith**, an obstetrician-gynecologist, as they explore the public health, legal, and ethical implications of death investigations, including deaths occurring in custody and the importance of independent forensic review.
Key Topics Discussed
- The mission and purpose of the Autopsy Initiative
- Why independent autopsies are necessary for families seeking answers
- Systemic gaps in medicolegal death investigations
- Observed discrepancies discussed at a high level without naming cases
- Upcoming goals and national expansion efforts
- Relevant data points highlighting the scope of the Initiative's work
- Partnerships and the role of forensic pathologists
- Transparency concerns surrounding deaths in ICE custody
- True/False myth-busting around autopsies and family legal rights
Resources & References
Know Your Rights Camp — Autopsy Initiative: https://www.knowyourrightscamp.org/autopsyinitiative
Know Your Rights Camp (Main Site): https://www.knowyourrightscamp.com
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME): https://www.thename.org
CDC – Public Health Data on Death in Custody: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs
Connect With Us
Dr. Keisha Davis, MD
https://drkeishadavis.komi.io
Dr. Sharon Smith, MD
https://sharonsmithmd.com/
The Medical Collective
https://www.medical-collective.net
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