- Fourteen embryonic organisms from the University of Göttingen's archive interred
Fourteen Fetal Remains from the University Medical Center Göttingen's collection have been laid to rest. The urn containing fetal remains, dating back to the years between 1952 and 1969, were interred at the Park Cemetery Junkerberg in Göttingen, as a representative of the University Medical Center announced. They are part of the widely recognized Blechschmidt collection in scientific circles. More burials are projected.
Researchers had earlier scrutinized the origin of all 430 prenatal samples at the Göttingen Anatomy Center between August 2017 and July 2019. The team led by Michael Markert then suggested that all embryos and fetuses be evaluated for their research and teaching potential and, if necessary, be buried. The scientists are not ruling out the possibility that the remains in the collection could be a result of forced abortions during the Nazi era.
Origins Undetermined
"It was vital for us to gain as much insight as possible into the background of the embryos and fetuses," said a spokesperson for the University Medical Center. Erich Blechschmidt, the former head of the Anatomical Institute in Göttingen from 1942 to 1973 and the collector of the specimens, had barely disclosed the origins of the specimens in his publications. Blechschmidt's work in Göttingen overlapped with the Nazi rule from 1933 to 1945.
Based on the findings from the two-year investigation, further investigations into the individual specimens were conducted at the Anatomy Center of the University Medical Center today, the spokesperson explained. "Many embryos and fetuses have significantly contributed to scientific advancements in recent decades," she said. "Now we aim to offer a secure resting place for 14 of these individuals so they can find their final peace."
The University Medical Center commissionited further investigations into the individual specimens following the two-year investigation. The Commission will also ensure that the 14 interred fetal remains receive a proper and respectful burial.
