I have just watched?

Question

a documentory about the body farm, in america where 50 bodies in different stages of decomposition are left lying around in the name of forensic science.
What are your views on the ethics of such a place ?
I believe we need such places, but people with religious views might disagree as it is in the bible belt area of the usa.

Answer 1

Ive studied there (currently a state investigator).

These places, no matter how disgusting and vilifying it may seem to religious people, are absolute musts. You have to understand that we are given insight into decomposition rates in differing situations (fully exposed, partially exposed, not exposed, buried, in trunks of cars, in water, etc.), rates at which insects tend to flock to bodies, deposit eggs, then hatch, etc. All of these things give us approximate time of death, and help in assisting catching of career criminals/serial killers/murders.

that thing about dead men tell no tales - not true at all. You just need to know how to ask them....

Answer 2

I saw something about that a few years ago. It's as helpful as when people donate their bodies to universities to be used in autopsies, or have their skeletons donated to science departments, or even organ donations. Like those other things, body farms help future generations. It's very helpful in murder cases, even in identifying people, which is good for the families.

I have religious views, but I'm not Christian. I think that if the individual chooses to donate his/her body to the benefit to others, I don't think religious groups have any say in the situation.

Answer 3

I saw the same show and I found it fascinating! I am a person with a relatively rare genetic disorder and plan to donate my body for whatever they need it for. What the heck! I won't need it! Saves on funeral expenses too! Just have a party for me because I will have gone on to the next great adventure!

Answer 4

I think it is important to do such research, and I guess whoever had donated their body to research beforehand or their families were ok with that.
It is a fascinating subject.

Answer 5

I saw something on that and they were saying forensics students use them to learn how to investigate bodies in different stages of decomposition.

Answer 6

I saw the same programme - wasnt it interesting!

I agree with it for the reasons it came up with and found it fascinating. Actually I do wish there were other ways to decompose a body, one that would return our shell to mother earth to make best use of the body.

I suggested my kids could take me out to shark infested waters and drop me overboard - ashes to ashes and bones to sand!!! teehee ;)

Answer 7

If you need to study in order for humanity to progress, science wise, then so be it. These people are dead, and if they agreed to donate their body to science, then there shouldn't be any problem. Since they are dead, it's better to use their body for something intelligent than just leaving them to rot in a grave.

Answer 8

Are they treated ina respectful manor? Decomposition is part of death so as long as they are treated respectfully I dont know why there would be a problem but, that is the key -- their treatment.

Answer 9

Many people donate their bodies to science. Many donate their organs for transplant. You don't need your body after you die so this would be a selfless, christian act.

Answer 10

I watched some of that as well, its good for forensic science, but
what do they do with the body's after they have finished with them? do they give them a proper burial?