Thanks to Elaine Katz of the Anti-Bodies website for sending along this information.
Lawmakers are finally coming to understand that the plasticized bodies used in Bodies: The Exhibition are of unknown origin and could be the remains of political prisoners, and some have taken action.
The biggest news came yesterday from New York State. Excerpted from a press release from the State Attorney General’s office dated 5/29/08:
“Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that he has reached a settlement with Premier Exhibitions… the developer of the “Bodies” exhibitions, that brings an end to Premier’s practice of using bodies of undocumented origins in their exhibitions. As a result of the settlement, Premier must now obtain documentation demonstrating the cause of death and origins of the cadavers and body parts it displays as well as proof that the decedent consented to the use of his or her remains in such a manner. In addition, all prior visitors to the New York City Bodies exhibit are eligible for a refund of the price of their ticket.
“…all of the bodies on display were citizens or residents of China. Advocacy groups and media reports have alleged that some of the bodies on exhibit were Chinese prisoners who were executed. Although Premier previously maintained that the allegations were without basis, an investigation by Attorney General Cuomo showed that the company was unable to demonstrate the cause of death or the origin of the decedents.
” ‘The grim reality is that Premier Exhibitions has profited from displaying the remains of individuals who may have been tortured and executed in China,’ said Attorney General Cuomo. ‘Despite repeated denials, we now know that Premier itself cannot demonstrate the circumstances that led to the death of the individuals. Nor is Premier able to establish that these people consented to their remains being used in this manner. Respect for the dead and respect for the public requires that Premier do more than simply assure us that there is no reason for concern. This settlement is a start.’ “
In addition, in April US Representative Todd Akin (R-MO) introduced bill HR 5677 “to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to prohibit the importation into the United States of plastinated human remains.”
The State of Pennsylvania has also introduced legislation (House Bill #2299) “to require persons who participate in the public display of human remains for commercial purposes to provide evidence of informed consent from the decedent or relatives of all humans whose remains are put on display and to provide for the continued use of human remains in the educational, medical and scientific communities to promote human health and safety.”
As someone who believes all people are created in the image of God, I think it is of utmost importance to see that trafficking in bodies of unknown origin is stopped. Human flesh — alive or dead — is not something to be peddled. The laws listed above leave room for those who choose to leave behind their remains to be used for commercial purposes, but bans the use of bodies without the person’s permission. I think this is fair. Kudos to the States of NY and PA and to Rep. Akin of MO for a job well done.
