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Feb 16, 2008 11:22 pm US/Eastern
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'Bodies' Exhibit Sparking National Controversy
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
For months now 'Bodies … the Exhibition' has been drawing big crowds to the Carnegie Science Center's Sportsworks, but now it's stirring some national controversy.
The exhibit displays cadavers in different states of dissection and in various poses.
Now, New York state's Attorney General has launched an investigation following allegations that at least one-third of the specimens are executed Chinese prisoners or Chinese citizens, who never agreed to let their remains be displayed.
"We are in receipt of actual legal documentation that indicates that these are all people who died of natural causes, first and foremost, and that they are procured, prepared and provided by legal means," said Jo Haas, the director of the Carnegie Science Center. "We are remaining committed to our original position, and we think this is a fabulous experience."
Premier Exhibits, which promotes the 'Bodies' exhibit, posted affidavits on their website from medical professionals stating they "never observed evidence of violent trauma" and "these human specimens appear to have lived to the fullest extent of their lives."
KDKA's Ross Guidotti talked with some people at the Sportworks center today. While some people say they didn't have any issue over the controversy, others had mixed feelings.
"I think you are going to have the people that are going to find controversy in everything, including this," said Sherry Minor, who was visiting the exhibit.
But another visitor said, "If they donated their bodies to science, that's one thing, but if they are executed people or something like that, I don't think I'd do it again."
'Bodies … the Exhibition' is scheduled to be on display in Pittsburgh until May 4.
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