Body Worlds sets topic for next Science Café

Science North will delve into the question of where humanity should set the boundary between individual privacy and autonomy and the public good during its Science Café today (June 12).

The Body Worlds exhibitions exists thanks to individuals who chose to donate their bodies for Plastination, according to Science North. Their donation may seem extraordinary, but every single person makes decisions that require them to weigh the fundamental ownership of their bodies against the good of society.

Maybe you currently give blood or are registered as an organ donor. Do you think we should be added to an organ donor registry automatically, with the option to remove ourselves? Would you make your health records available for large-scale research, if it might lead to a medical breakthrough?

These are all questions that will be discussed with several local experts at Science Café, which is free with evening admission to Body Worlds Vital, and is available to Science North members for $13.50, and the general public for $15.

The exhibition opens exclusively for Science Café attendees at 6 p.m., with the Science Café starting at 7:30 p.m. Light snacks will be provided. Bring an open mind and get in on the discussion.

The panel of experts will include:

- Carol Collier, PhD, Associate Professor with the Department of Philosophy at University of Sudbury (Laurentian University)

- David A. Maclean, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology in the Department of Medical Sciences with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine

- Pam Andlar, RN, Organ and Tissue Donation co-ordinator with Trillium Gift of Life Network at Health Sciences North

Moderator will be Science North staff scientist Dana Murchison.

Posted by Arron Pickard