The evolving ethics of anatomy: Dissecting an unethical past in order to prepare for a future of ethical anatomical practice

Abstract

Anatomical practice has arguably one of the most ethically challenging histories in the medical sciences. Among the oldest scientific disciplines in medicine, dissection of the human body for scientific purposes occurred as early as the third century Before the Common Era. Throughout the history of anatomical practice, human dissection has occurred in ways that cross the line from progressing medical science to violating the sanctity of the human body. The dissection of the human body creates ethical dilemmas which stem from the need for anatomical science to gain medical knowledge in juxtaposition with prevailing religious and moral views surrounding anatomy as a threat to the sanctity of the human body. This article examines the unethical history of human dissection throughout the ages and explores the rationale behind the unethical practices. In addition, this article explores imperative modern day ethical standards in anatomy including, the ethical handling of human bodies, respecting human life, and ensuring informed consent for dissection of bodies that are donated. Finally, this article explores the question of which ethical prism we should use when dealing with anatomy collections or works of the past. Learning both the history of unethical practices in anatomy and the rationale behind them is imperative so that the discipline can prepare for an ethical, diverse, and inclusive future. This article provides a foundation for understanding the evolution of ethics in anatomical practice and is a valuable resource for students and anatomists alike.

“A whole new perspective on how the body fits together”—An evaluation of a cadaver laboratory experience for high school students

“…Anatomy laboratory tours typically are 2 h in length and consist of an introductory presentation on the history of anatomy, cadaveric dissection, whole‐body donation, and specific details about the scope of the AEP for medical education in Indiana. This presentation serves to situate the students to understand the necessity of a willed body program in light of millennia of ethical transgressions from medical and anatomical educators in search of bodies for dissection (Ghosh, 2015; Comer, 2022; Organ & Comer, 2022). Students learn of the first dissections being performed on executed criminals, to graverobbing and body snatching, followed by the Burke and Hare anatomical scandal, and end with a discussion of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act and the willed body program at IUSM (Rosner, 2010; Ghosh, 2015, 2022; Brenna, 2022).…”

“…Anatomy laboratory tours typically are 2 h in length and consist of an introductory presentation on the history of anatomy, cadaveric dissection, whole-body donation, and specific details about the scope of the AEP for medical education in Indiana. This presentation serves to situate the students to understand the necessity of a willed body program in light of millennia of ethical transgressions from medical and anatomical educators in search of bodies for dissection (Ghosh, 2015;Comer, 2022;Organ & Comer, 2022).…”

Profiting from public dissection: A new era of unethical practices

“…Efforts by governments and anatomists over many hundreds of years have resulted in the ethical transformation of the discipline and the introduction of a number of legal acts and professional recommendations that safeguard the sanctity of the body. 33,45,46,48,49,[62][63][64] The bequest of bodies for the training of health professionals or for biomedical research following informed consent is regarded as ethical best practice by anatomists. 16,33,65,66 In the United States, the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act 64 allows for the voluntary donation of bodies after death but is silent on the legalities of public dissection.…”

Evolution of a discipline—The changing face of anatomy

“…Following that important piece from AAA is a series of articles that examine the evolution of the discipline of anatomy through different lenses: historical (Brenna, 2022 ), epistemological (Ghosh, 2022 ), and ethical (Comer, 2022 ). These three articles work together to describe how anatomical knowledge has changed through history and how that knowledge was acquired, and examine how ethics surrounding anatomical study have changed.…”