archbishop

Concerns about Body Worlds exhibit

In the interest of contributing to the discussion on Science World’s controversial Body Worlds exhibit featuring “plastinated” bodies, the Archdiocese of Vancouver wishes to share some of the reservations it has regarding this attraction.

The primary concern is that the concept of the exhibit runs counter to Roman Catholic theology and our belief in the dignity of the human body, which we hold to be created in God’s image. This is more than simply a principle, but is a core belief, which permeates Catholic theology and teaching. The bodies of the unidentified persons posed and on display are as precious and as worthy of respect as the body of any person, priest, or Pope.

This respect for God’s greatest creation is not only Catholic or Christian theology, but is held by Jewish, Muslim and other believers as well. The reverence shown by First Nations people for the remains of their ancestors is also instructive.

Because we hold the body to be sacred, it must be treated with respect at all times. If it is to be used posthumously, the purpose must be worthy of the sacred vessel it is being permitted to use.

For instance, when human remains are used for medical research purposes, a priority that is warranted by the need to educate medical students in their service to mankind, stringent protocols are in place to ensure the donor fully consented to such use. Students are also aware of the great dignity of the person whose remains are before them, and those remains are properly and respectfully disposed of.

This is a far cry from what we see with the Body Worlds exhibit, which includes bodies and parts that were questionably obtained, for use in a popular attraction being widely advertised in the hope of drawing large admission-paying crowds.

Past Body Worlds exhibits have included truly horrific displays, including a woman suggestively positioned with her womb exposed to display her fully developed infant within. We are assured that this display will not be included in this exhibit, for which we are grateful. If only such prudence were being applied to the entire concept.

Whatever educational benefits there might be from this show cannot compensate for the lurid and morbid exploitation that is possible, exploitation that is ripe for misuse by individuals who – regardless of Science World’s efforts to make the exhibit as “solemn” and educational as possible – do not always respond the way we might wish them to.

Science World defends this exhibit as an opportunity to educate the public. Science World is encouraged to demonstrate its own willingness to learn from the beliefs and sensitivities of others and do what it can to reduce or eliminate the disrespect toward the human body that Body Worlds risks promoting.

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September 14, 2006

Relevant Links/Info:

Theology of the Body Institute

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Respect for the dead

2300 The bodies of the dead must be treated with respect and charity, in faith and hope of the Resurrection. The burial of the dead is a corporal work of mercy; it honors the children of God, who are temples of the Holy Spirit.

2301 Autopsies can be morally permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.