6A • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NEWS
FRIDAY, JAN. 18, 2002
A Baptist and a Wiccan-Pagan explain the issue in light of their faiths
Stem-cell research: How ethical is it?
A goal of many religions is to provide answers. So every week the Kansan will ask adherents of different faiths for their thoughts on a moral or ethical question. These answers will illuminate differences and maybe surprising similarities between the beliefs of different people in all walks of faith and at all levels of spirituality.
By Maggie Koerth Kansan staff writer
LAURIE SISK/KANSAN
Q. Is stem-cell research a moral way to save lives? How do you view the technique in the context of your religion?
A. Stephen Skea, pastor, Fellowship Baptist Church of Lawrence, 710 Locust:
"I believe stem-cell research has great potential, and I believe there are some definite advancements that can be made through stem-cell research.
I also believe, though, that there are some ethical problems we need to address when we further the research in stem cells, and of course, there needs to be a distinction in how we proceed with that so we do not cross moral and ethical boundaries that would produce future ethical and societal problems.
I believe at present—according to my understanding—the best advances in stem cell research have been done through what's called adult stem cells and these seem to contrary to the earliest scientific predictions—provide the best opportunities for stem cell development.
Since I believe the Bible clearly gives us information that life begins at conception, then stem cell research should be done only on adult stem cells.
To research on embryos for the purpose of harvesting cells results in the death of that embryo and the human embryo. I believe at the moment of conception that embryo is a developing human being. So for us to destroy that developing human being for the purpose of scientific advance and research is morally wrong.
tice of destroying life for the purpose of furthering life."
I would not be opposed to the furthering of stem cell research on adult stem cells or on cells derived from umbilical cords or the blood from the umbilical cord. There is a whole horizon that science can pursue without moving into the morally and ethically irresponsible prac-
A. Brandon Cox, Lenexa sophomore and member of the Wiccan-Pagan Alliance:
"It is my deeply held belief that if a god of the traditional sort exists he would want us to be inquisitive and curious into the nature
of man and ourselves. To paraphrase Carl Sagan, any god who could possibly exist would want us to further our own knowledge. In Wicca, knowledge is kev.
One is encouraged to learn about different arts and different religions and to study before making a decision. Religion does affect our views toward biological research and many things of this ilk simply due to the fact that we are encouraged to studv and to appreciate knowledge.
By studying stem cells, we are able to understand the nature of man, the nature of the universe and the very nature of deity in general. If we can study things better and understand them better than we have furthered our religious goals.
Neither Wicca nor Pagan religions say anything about stem-cell research, being much older than the subject. Therefore, it's difficult to say what the ancient Pagans would have said about such an issue.
However, I feel they would have given the go-ahead simply because it would increase the capacity of the mind. The Druids believed that if there was something to be known then it was to be known — that part of the definition of man was an inquisitive being.
There is no inherent wrong in studying that which is already proffered to us. If we have embryos that are given to us, which by nature might be defective, i.e. dead, I personally see nothing wrong with using that as a tool.
I do not agree, and I believe many Pagans and Wiccans will agree with me, that killing for the nature of research would be right. These things present many moral conflicts which can be difficult to overcome.
But I believe that it's a good thing, all in all, and Wicca will influence my decision because it will give me a greater desire to learn about how things work."
Contact Koerth at mkoerth@kansan.com, especially if you have a question you'd like to see in this weekly feature. This story was edited by Brooke Hesler.
KLAYDER
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
moved steadily across the computer screen.
"Take your work seriously,
but not yourself," she said.
Klayder's laid-back attitude affects her methods of teaching. She said she rarely lectured but preferred to discuss the literature.
Klayder's love of literature developed from the time her brother taught her to read at the age of four. Because her father was frequently sick, she spent a lot of time in hospitals with nothing to do but read. With every book, Klayder wanted to talk about it with someone.
She considers herself fortunate to do what she loves as a living.
Along with her regular classes, Klayder has organized a class called The London Review since 1998. This class prepares for a trip to London during spring break. Students decide what area they will concentrate on while in London. When the students return, they create a book that recalls their experiences.
Klayder said she had never studied abroad in college and regretted it. So when the study abroad program was looking for more short-term programs, Klayder took advantage of the opportunity to travel and share the experience with students.
Although Klayder's classes have received high reviews, she said the highest compliment for her was when students came back years later to talk with her.
Above all else. Klayder said that she wanted students to learn about themselves.
"I like to teach by epiphany," she said. "I really want someone at some point in the class to come to some sort of revelation."
contact@pachk
aprecht@kansan.com. This story
was edited by Anne Mergen-
meier.
Contact Pracht at
WATKINS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
supply a larger percent of birth control than Walgreens and other pharmacies in town because we have cheaper prices and a student/employee clientele."
Myra Strother, chief of medical staff at Watkins, said there was a stigma in Kansas and throughout the Midwest that using birth control was not the proper way to avoid pregnancy.
"The negative stigma that goes along with birth control makes no sense," Strother said. "A sexually active student can say that she is a good girl because she doesn't use birth
control, but this isn't logical. By using birth control, students are thinking ahead and protecting themselves."
Thrasher said Watkins offered many options for people wanting to protect themselves. Watkins sells a variety of contraceptives, including:
- daily oral care
- condoms
- Depo-provera, a birth control shot given every three months
- Lunelle, a shot given once a month
The Food and Drug Administration has approved two new kinds of birth control, which Watkins will be offering within the next
two months. One is a patch that women apply to their lower abdomen. It is changed weekly for three weeks, then removed for one week.
Ruiz said she preferred taking birth control because of the safety it gave her.
The other, called Nuva, is a vaginal ring that is inserted and stays in for a month before being replaced.
"I don't have to stress out about getting pregnant," she said. "It lets me be more comfortable with the person that I am with."
Contact Lewis at slewis@kansan.com. This story was edited by Kyle Ramsay.
CREDIT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
"They have to contact a family member to get a loan and they don't want to do it, but it's the best thing for them." Hardesty said.
Baker said students should be wary of companies who claim to help reduce debt. Often, they charge high fees based on how much debt the person owes.
Consumer Credit Counseling helps students find a way out of debt and will coordinate bill payments for a fee. The company
charges $20 for the first counseling session, and a maintenance fee of $21 to $25 per month for bill payments.
Information such as late payments and excessive balances can stay on a credit report for up to seven years.
The FairCredit Reporting Act allows cardholders to obtain their credit report and correct mistakes or make comments. KU students can correct mistakes found in their credit report by contacting Legal Services for Students.
Students can obtain a copy of their credit report by contacting:
- Equifax at (800) 685-1111
- Experian at (888) 397-3742
These credit reporting agencies are required by law to provide personal credit reports and names of companies who have accessed that report.
Contact Shuman at mshuman@kansan.com.
This story was edited by Gillian Titus.
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