Bioethics conference coming soon to EMU

Students who enjoy a few days off from classes may be excited about the canceling of all classes on Nov 13th and 14th. However, in place of classes they may find themselves attending a three-day conference on bioethics.

Roman Miller, chair of the committee which organized the event explained that although the Anabaptist community has entered a lot of discussion on other issues such as pacifism or homosexuality, "as Anabaptist's we've never said much about bioethics, which is a life and death topic."

Subtitled "Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes," the upcoming conference will attempt to shed light on the topic of bioethics. The discussion among faculty members which culminated in the organization of the conference began about two years ago. Since then, the organizing committee has worked to choose topics, engage speakers and make other arrangements. Just last spring faculty approved the motion to cancel classes so that students and faculty could attend the conference.

Since Bioethics is such a large topic, the conference will focus on four major areas: stem cell research, cloning, genetic therapy and genetically modified plants and animals. The conference features eight keynote speakers and two breakup sessions to discuss case studies as well as panel discussions, worship and personal stories.

Thursday sessions will begin by describing the science and technology in question. With a tightly woven structure, the conference will build on earlier informational topics until the Saturday presentations focus on synthesizing issues in the Anabaptist perspective.

The committee sought out speakers with national recognition for the conference. It was also important that the speakers be capable of clearly communicating ideas since organizers wanted the subjects to be understandable at the level of a "sharp high school student." "We were fortunate to get the people that we have," Miller said. Attendees can expect speakers to use words and ideas found in popular press rather than highly specialized jargon.

Recently, the committee turned its attention to getting the word out, mailing posters and brochures to area high schools and in-state colleges as well as other Mennonite colleges. Advertisements have been placed in scientific journals and the Mennonite Church press.

While a better estimate of attendance should be available in a month, preparations have been made to accommodate around 1700 people. The committee expects several hundred from outside the EMU community including a group from Bridgewater College. Most of the conference will be held in the University Commons, using a projection screen to make speakers visible for a large audience.

The conference will be Novemeber 13-15. Interested persons can register or learn more about the conference by visiting the website www.bioethics.emu.edu. EMU students, faculty staff can register and attend for free. Others will be charged $25. Associate sponsors of the conference are Anabaptist Center for Health Care, Ethics (Elkhart, Ind.), Guesthouse Inn, Lilly Grant Project, and Mennonite Central Committee.