Bishop questions dignity of Body Worlds

A graphic display of the human body and brain is already generating controversy in Calgary before it has evenopened.

The Body Worlds & The Brain exhibitis a collection of anatomical displays ofthe human bodywith all its layers exposed from skin to organs to tissue.

The cadavers that make up the exhibit are willed by donors and preserved with a liquid plastic in a process called plastination.

The 200 specimens in the Calgary exhibit, which runs from Friday into the summer at Telus World of Science, will include a focus on the human brain.

'We have crossed the line from education into the realm of entertainment, questionable art and commercial showcases.' Bishop Frederick Henry, Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary

The travelling exhibit is designed to educate people about the human body and the effects of health and lifestyle choices both good and bad and to increase interest in the science of anatomy.

"The vast majority say I have a complete different view of myself, and I'm pretty sure I won't take my body for granted any longer," said Dr. Angelina Whalley, the exhibition's creative director.

But Bishop Frederick Henry, who leads the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary, questions the display's morality in an article posted on the diocese's website.

Henry acknowledges the benefit of donating one's body for medical research but points out that the plasticized bodies are displayed in poses of recreation, such as throwing a baseball, and of "ghoulishness," with one's innards exposed and skin draped over an arm.

"We have crossed the line from education into the realm of entertainment, questionable art and commercial showcases," he wrote.

"The church's concern for human dignity extends to the body even after the soul is no longer present. The bodies of the dead deserve respect and charity, preserving the God-given dignity of the human person."

The bishop says that plastination turns a human body into a specimen.

But organizers defended the exhibit's educational purpose.

"In terms of the democratization of the anatomy, [the aim is] having people understand not just the specialist, but everyone understand what their bodies are like," said Jennifer Martin, president and CEO of Telus World of Science. "When you engage emotions, learning goes right up."

Henry also questioned the legitimacy of the body donations. But Whalley saidthe peoplewho agree to donate their cadaver sign alegal document. More than 11,000 people have agreed to donate their bodies to the Institute of Plastination in Germany.

"They have expressed their last will, and their wish was to be part of this, to help teach and enlighten future generations," she said.

More than 29 million visitors in 47 cities around the world, including Los Angeles, Toronto, London and Tokyo, have seen a Body Worlds exhibition since its debut in 1995.

Calgary organizers said they haven't set a closing date on the exhibit, because it will depend on demand.