Anatomist Dr. Gunther von Hagens Clarifies: Plastinates No...( HEIDELBERG Germany Feb. 5 /- Duri...),Health

HEIDELBERG, Germany, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- During a lengthy interview with a reporter from a tabloid in Guben, Germany on Feb 4. 2008 anatomist, Dr. Gunther von Hagens explained his views on anatomy, the poor access to medical knowledge by lay people, and his own professional evolution from male nurse, to anesthesiologist, to Ivory Tower academic, to public scientist.

Dr. von Hagens believes that to differentiate between experts and laypersons points to an inherent bias that could lead to the colonizing of knowledge by the medical and scientific elite. Thus, he floated the idea that plastinates ought to be distributed to qualified individuals including laypersons. In a moment of scientific bravado on behalf of lay people, Dr. von Hagens claimed the enterprise as feasible and active, and went so far as to venture how such a plan would operate.

Dr. von Hagens regrets his statements on the matter and retracts them in their entirety. He apologizes to the body donors registered with the Institute for Plastination, who have entrusted their post-mortal bodies to the Institute for scientific study and the education of many. He reiterates that the body donors are the ethical backbone of BODY WORLDS. He thanks those who have participated in the BODY WORLDS exhibitions including donors, visitors, museums, exhibition sponsors, and the scientific and medical community for their understanding on this matter.