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Even if its under the guise of "Scientific Research"? In re selling organs? I would think the study of Terri's brain would be a much sought after item -- effects of dehydration, starving; plus possibly in re the onset of her current condition. Perhaps the "autopsy" Mr. Schiavo is demanding aims to do just this; perhaps not. This is my real question. Why is he demanding an autopsy? What will be requested for study in that autopsy?

"What will be requested for study in that autopsy?"

As I understand it from news reports, the autopsy will be conducted by the corner's office. Such Autopsies are conducted according to the corner's protocol, which specifies a complete procedure for an autopsy, which is followed in every case. Likely, given high profile of this case, it will be conducted by senior staff members, or perhaps personally by the "Chief Medical Examiner" (or whatever the tile is in this particular corner's office.)

Unless the autopsy determines that criminal activity may have been a contributing cause of death, the state usually is not empowered to retain any part of the body. (One exception would be fluid or tissue samples which had been sent out of analysis, and might be retained by the organization performing the tests for legally mandated quality control studies or similar purposes.)

At that point, all or part of the body could be the subject of additional tests by other organizations, but no part of the body could be "sold" or used for commercial purposes.

Given that PVS is a clinical diagnosis, it's unlikely that whatever the result of the autopsy it could conclusively settle the question of mental capacity prior to death.

I may be mistaken, but it occurs to me that in commanding that she be cremated, MS opened Terri's remains to the medical examiner; by 'requesting' and autopsy, he may be able to limit the examination to just her brain, effectively blocking any further revelations of a 'bone healing' nature.