Man plans protest at human body exhibit

A Sharon man said this afternoon he plans to protest a controversial exhibit that features human bodies from China that comes to town next weekend.

Pharmacist Aaron Ginsburg will bring his opposition in front of the Memorial Building Monday at 11 a.m. and to 500 Cochituate Road, where "Bodies ... The Exhibition" is slated to open next weekend, on Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

Ginsburg isn't sure how big of a crowd he'll attract in his protest, but he feels it's important to express his disdain for the display, which includes 13 full bodies and 250 organs and body parts.

"This is all about marketing," said Ginsburg. "It's not about science and education. We can learn about human bodies in other ways."

Dr. Roy Glover, the medical director and spokesman for the exhibit, does not begrudge Ginsburg's plans. The bodies used in the exhibit come on loan from a medical school in China, said Glover, and officials bring affidavits with them as the program travels around the country.

So far, it has attracted more than 6 million patrons, including 350,000 school children, he said.

"As long as he doesn't interfere with people who want to visit the exhibit, he has every right to do what he wants to do," said Glover. "This is an educationally rich opportunity for people to learn more about themselves. It's a life-changing experience."

Craig MacCormack of The MetroWest (Mass.) Daily News can be reached at 508-626-4429 or cmaccorm@cnc.com.