Body Worlds ("plastinated" humans) controversy
Talk Bioethics
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1oregonobsessionz
I joined this group just to post this question, after which I will be on my way.
What do you think of the Body Worlds 3 show? This is the exhibit consisting of actual human bodies that have been “plastinated”, i.e. infused with some type of resin, and posed.
This is currently showing in Portland, and I am really struggling over whether I want to see it. I think it would be fascinating, but I am disturbed by the allegations that the creator of the show, Dr. Gunther von Hagens, obtained bodies for previous shows from hospital patients in Kyrgizstan, executed prisoners in China, and other sources where informed consent is questionable at best.
Wikipedia summarizes the controversies here. The local science museum hosting the show insists that they have examined adequate documentation, proving to their satisfaction that all of the bodies in this show came from voluntary donations.
What do you think of the Body Worlds 3 show? This is the exhibit consisting of actual human bodies that have been “plastinated”, i.e. infused with some type of resin, and posed.
This is currently showing in Portland, and I am really struggling over whether I want to see it. I think it would be fascinating, but I am disturbed by the allegations that the creator of the show, Dr. Gunther von Hagens, obtained bodies for previous shows from hospital patients in Kyrgizstan, executed prisoners in China, and other sources where informed consent is questionable at best.
Wikipedia summarizes the controversies here. The local science museum hosting the show insists that they have examined adequate documentation, proving to their satisfaction that all of the bodies in this show came from voluntary donations.
2reading_fox
Tricky - its a matter of trust. DO you trust the presenter to have obtained consent, or do you trust the author of the allegations to have access to facts the local museum does not?
These type of shows do attract critiscism from some fairly fundamentalist people. What better way of closing them than by smearing the originator's integrity?
I would see it. As an individual you are unlikely to ever gain better access to information than your local museum. If they have considered the matter and are happy that is probably as best you can do.
Is consent required? Does it matter what happens to dead bodies? To me it matters if there are relatives who care. If there aren't then I'm not that concerned whether consent was obtained. BUT the presumption must be that there are relatives who care, and strenuous effort made to contact them.
These type of shows do attract critiscism from some fairly fundamentalist people. What better way of closing them than by smearing the originator's integrity?
I would see it. As an individual you are unlikely to ever gain better access to information than your local museum. If they have considered the matter and are happy that is probably as best you can do.
Is consent required? Does it matter what happens to dead bodies? To me it matters if there are relatives who care. If there aren't then I'm not that concerned whether consent was obtained. BUT the presumption must be that there are relatives who care, and strenuous effort made to contact them.
