An exhibit has rolled into St. Louis and is now showing at the Saint Louis Science Center in all its human gory. The exhibit that is raising eyebrows and awareness is “Body Worlds 3”-an exhibit that showcases real human bodies, that have been frozen through a scientific process called “plastination,” in different positions.
In the past, this exhibit has made many people question the ethics of donating their bodies to science. It has led to a lot of controversy as to whether those who donated their bodies to science truly meant to have their bodies displayed in public exhibitions.
The company that runs the event has a thorough and exhaustive application and consent form on which the extent of the exposure to the public that the donated body may have is made quite clear. “Body Worlds “went through an ethical review performed in 2004, by the California Science Center and was found to be exceptionally ethical and, in fact, exceedingly educational.
There are some rather obvious considerations for events of a sensitive nature like that of “Body Worlds” that should be thought about very carefully before allowing general admission. Since the “Body Worlds” exhibit consists of real human bodies that have been stripped of their exterior-thus allowing unobstructed views of muscle, tissue and internal organs-the material may not be suitable for younger children.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis, while not forbidding field trips to the exhibit during its stay at the Science Center, strongly cautions families and individuals with children. This caution is not an attempt to keep children from learning, but rather shows an understanding that until students are mature enough to see the exhibit as an educational tool instead of an entertainment extravaganza, they should not attend without supervision.
One of the more controversial displays in “Body Worlds” shows a woman reclining as though stretched out on a couch. She is eight months pregnant and the baby inside is fully exposed for observers to study. This display is not unethical, per se, but does stress the importance of keeping the displays tactful, respectful and educational.
Much like “infotainment” on TV, the “Body Worlds” exhibit attempts to balance the educational aspect of its displays with an entertaining twist. The exhibit, for the most part, succeeds in finding a tasteful balance.
The California Science Center urged careful consideration to the placement of the prenatal section of the exhibit, as well as to the parents with children. With a private organization running the show, it is only within their and the displaying institution’s (Saint Louis Science Center’s) power to review the displays and make absolutely sure that they are educational with the entertainment factor playing a secondary role.
Above all, it is the responsibility of the exhibitors and the Science Center to conscientiously remember that they are working with human bodies, and the nature of their displays must radiate the most human virtue of respect.
