In January, I remarked on the prejudiced NBC coverage regarding unidentified bodies from a coroner’s office being employed by a medical school. Following this, NBC produced two related episodes. The latter report concentrated on a freelance vendor of bodies and parts. His callous approach towards the bodies he dealt with was disturbing, underscoring an ethical gap between commercial enterprises and educational purposes in medical institutions.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, my role as a morgue assistant ingrained in me the importance of treating bodies with respect. This background made the body vendor’s disrespect particularly jarring, questioning his claim of fulfilling a necessary service.

The third episode brought forth accusations of the coroner’s office’s negligence in reaching out to families. Two instances were showcased without sufficient context. In the first, it might have been a mere oversight, whereas in the second, it was uncertain whether the fault lay with the office or the deceased’s careless brother.

The reports did not deliver a comprehensive view. Vital questions regarding the coroner’s initiatives and protocols were left unaddressed. The absence of input from the coroner’s office resulted in a biased depiction reminiscent of sensationalist yellow journalism from the early 20th century.

These reports reinforced the notion that the use of unclaimed bodies for medical instruction can be ethical, provided there are attempts to locate families when resources permit. The reduction in available donated bodies highlights the importance of having medical students learn from authentic human anatomy.

When a coroner’s office lacks the means or personnel to find families, repurposing the bodies for scientific progress is sensible. In the current media environment, upholding ethical principles in journalism is vital. Misrepresenting or neglecting crucial viewpoints amounts to a social and ethical failing.