Final answer:
A medico-legal or forensic autopsy does not require family consent as it is mandated by law. The Henrietta Lacks case highlights historical deficiencies in informed consent practices, which would be considered unethical today. For minors, consent for medical procedures must be provided by parents or legal guardians.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of autopsy that does not require family consent is a medico-legal or forensic autopsy. This type of autopsy is performed when the death is suspicious, unusual, or involves legal implications. It is typically ordered by legal authorities, such as a coroner or a medical examiner, and is conducted to determine the cause and manner of death for legal or public health reasons. The family's consent is not required for a medico-legal autopsy because the examination is mandated by law.
In the case of the historic ethical controversy involving Henrietta Lacks, tissues were taken without consent, which by current ethical and legal standards would be deemed unlawful and unethical. However, the practice of obtaining consent for such procedures was not standardized at the time of Lacks's case. Although the use of her cells has led to significant medical advancements, it raises important questions about informed consent, the handling of biological materials, and patient rights.
Regarding the consent of minors, it is important to note that parents or legal guardians are generally required to provide consent on behalf of their children, as children are not deemed competent to provide such consent for themselves.