Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Ethics among South Indian Anatomists: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective. The use of human cadavers for anatomical dissection and biomedical research is a longstanding practice in medical education. Typically, cadavers are sourced from donors who have given informed consent during their lifetime, respecting their autonomy and the dignity of the deceased. However, the ethical handling of unclaimed bodies, which are not donated by informed consent, remains a contentious issue. This study aims to assess the knowledge of ethical principles among anatomists regarding the use of unclaimed bodies for educational and research purposes. Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted involving 120 anatomists with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Anatomy. The survey included general demographic questions followed by specific inquiries about ethical principles related to unclaimed bodies. Participants were required to provide consent before completing the questionnaire. The survey was distributed via google form with a one-week response period, followed by reminders. Non-respondents were excluded from the study. Inclusion criteria were limited to anatomists with relevant postgraduate qualifications, while exclusion criteria included unwillingness to participate and incomplete responses. Results. The findings indicate that many anatomists exhibit limited understanding of key ethical principles such as autonomy and non-maleficence, particularly concerning using unclaimed bodies. The majority of respondents justified the use of unclaimed bodies as necessary for cadaver procurement, reflecting a gap in ethical awareness. The utilization of unclaimed bodies raises serious ethical issues, particularly regarding autonomy and informed consent. Conclusion. This study concludes that unclaimed bodies should not be used for dissection or research purposes due to these ethical breaches. Strengthening ethical education and promoting voluntary body donation are crucial steps toward addressing these challenges and ensuring ethical practices in anatomical research and education.