Donation of the body for scientific purposes in Italy: ethical and medico-legal considerations

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>In recent years in Italy (and in the other European Countries) a new debated topic involves anatomists and the scientific world: donation of the body after death for scientific purposes. The aim of our analysis is to analyze the issue of voluntary body donation in Italy focusing first of all, on key principles of the disciplines of donation. Considering the rise of exhibitions and events in which death is spectacularized, the debate is focus on will, on respect and overall on the purpose for which the body is donated. Anatomical dissection is considered necessary in the direct learning of the human body, of surgical practices and new scientific techniques but the scarcity of programmes and regulations regarding the donation of bodies for study and research make it an uncommon practice. After discussing what are the constitutional principles underlying the issue we want to emphasize the need of a more effective and updated regulation to set limits and methods of a practice still essential for scientific progress.</jats:p>

Perspectiva da doação voluntária de corpos para utilização no ensino de anatomia: consciência social, disposição e fatores associados

“…A notória importância do estudo em material anatômico real e a dificuldade advinda da obtenção de corpos fizeram com que governos e universidades de diversos países mundo afora, inclusive no Brasil, estabelecessem programas de doação voluntária de corpos, respeitando as leis específicas de cada território [10,11]. O número de doações a partir desses programas de incentivo, apesar de relativamente baixo, tem se constituído como a solução momentânea para o problema de escassez de material biológico para os estudos da anatomia humana [10].…”

Piercing and tattoos in adolescents: legal and medico-legal implications

“…In the light of above mentioned, the information process is then essential [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Any person wishing to undergo a tattoo or piercing procedures should be exhaustively informed (including through written notice) about the process of said procedures.…”

Plastination: ethical and medico-legal considerations

“…The opinion expressed in 2013 by the Italian National Bioethics Committee regarding a point of order on the voluntary donation of a post-mortem body for scientific purposes did not address body donation for plastination and public display, nor did it address the possibility of considering the consent expressed in one’s will valid when it comes to this matter. [ 6 ]…”