' LETTERS" Too much 'Ihsairl'? Editor This letter is to protest the confusion generated by the Most European nations which provide national medical Marilyn Abildskov article "Ethics of artificial heartexperts ponder if its worth the cost, in the Dec. 5 care protect themselves from the excesses of this religious-humanitariapproach. In order to keep medical costs under control, the United Kingdom has set up rules as to who might receive certain costly procedures such as kidney transplants, dialysis or coronary bypass operations, at government expense. Others can obtain these services only if privately financed. Age and life an issue of the Chronicle. The ethics of implanting an artificial heart center around the problem of choosing appropriate patients and obtaining informed consent. The problem of is a separate issue which centers or desire our around to provide the "best medical society's care" to its citizens. The article in question succeeded in, interweaving the two problems in such a way that the unwary reader might be lead to believe medical ethics is little more than an exercise in calucuUting ratios. In order to think clearly about either problem, the two must be clearly separated in one's thinking. Since the artificial heart is an unproven device, it means that at this stage of development, medical ethics dictates that it be used only in those situations in which a patient has little to lose if things go wrong, is most likely to benefit from the procedure, and that the experimental nature of the procedure be fully explained so as not to obtain cost-bene- fit ess cost-effectiven- expectancy are primary considerations in selecting such patients. Another practice in the U.K. is that, under some conditions, a person who wishes to die because his quality of life is unsatisfactory may receive medical assistance to end his life. These situations have no connotations of medical ethics in the U.K. They are simply societal decisions in keeping with the reality of their economic situation and humanitarian concepts. The Reagan administration and our Congress have been, and are still, wrestling with ways to reduce the cost of medical care in this country. This must never be achieved by limiting medical research (such as the development of the artificial heart) or by compromising ethics. It can be achieved by paying more attention to the of hospital procedures, by recognizing that prolonging life for some patients at any cost is cost-bene- fit consent by raising false hopes. Medical care in the United States is constantly becoming more costly. One reason for this is that our society has apparently decided that the "best care be extended to all, and that care should not be curtailed for lack of money, or by judgments by anyone (including the patient) that the projected quality of life does not warrant the cost of further medical care. So long as our nation can afford this attitude, people who want to die will be kept alive. Human "vegetables (hopelessly handicapped or comatose persons) will be kept alive for as long as possible, the moribund elderly will suffer the indignity of living for weeks or months on artificial life support systems, and Favoritani obtains ever oorc ccsyfered cad tyrhnjralljr adveaced devices will be developed to prclocj life (or delay death). This attitude is usually justified on religious or humanriarian not ethicalgrounds. cost-effectiven- Editor: After attending an "Evening with the Runnm Utes, which highlighted the women's and men's basketball . teams, I came away upset. The women appeared for the first 20 minutes end were off the court, while the men had two hours to pby. Aside from the obvious favoritism ofthe men's teams on the part of the athletic department, not even the University of Utah cheerleaders offered support. t The cheerleading squad arrived during the women s halftime and didn't "cheer'' a word until the men came on the court. After that, it was strike up the band, literally, and start the party. The school song was not even played for the women. Now let's talk equality. This blatant fayortism is uncalled for. Both teams have excellent athletes whose talents should be recognized equally. Just once, I would love to see the cheerleading squad support the women's team the way thev support the men. And, just once, I would like to see the athletic department really get behind the women and promote their various sports. Francine Grani Editorial policy ess unwarranted, by limiting the use of more costly procedures to those who will benefit most, by introducing cost competition between medical groups, and most important, by placing greater emphasis on preventive medicine. The Chronicle welcomes letters to the editor and encourages all responsible students and faculty members to contribute their viewpoints. . All letters must meet certain guidelines. First, they All letters to the must be typed and double-spaceeditor must be signed and accompanied by an address and telephone number for verification purposes. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit all material received for good taste, libel, style and length. The tone of a letter will never be altered. Victor E. Archer, Clinical Professor Dept. of Family and Community Medicine U. of U. School of Medicine We've Got What You Need! d. Due to the volume of mail received, we are unable to publish every letter, or to return any material we receive. All letters may be submitted in the Chronicle offices, Union 240. Smile, isn't it fun to be back in school? fScJTv The and The HP-11- C From Hewlett-Packar- ONE OFF HP-15- C d We've got two powerful, sophisticated calculators that answer your scientific and mathematical needs. The are Advanced Programmable Scientific Calculators used worldwide by professionals in engineering, science, navigation, research, and statistics. Shouldn't you be using one now? Let us help you decide today. and the HP-11- C on any Pasta Entree. Expires January 15th HP-15- C 859 E .000 So. Hour II a m. to 10 a PACKARD Slim-lin- e Advanced Scientific Programmable HP-12- C 364-806- 6 I HATCH OR BEAT AHY CHROUICLE ADVERTISED PRICE OH THESE CALCULATORS 1733 VTILL SALE HP-11- C (Mil "EWLETT RBI a p.m.. Mon. thro Sit $ CQQ5 $ QQ00 $ Q 4 QQ $ OQ00 $ 1TO00 Slim-lin- e Advanced Financial Programmable Slim-lin- e Advanced Scientific a HP-15- C Programmable with Matrices Slim-lin- e a HP-16- C Programmable for Computer Science Advanced Programmable n Alphanumeric Advanced Programmable n Alphanumeric with Extended Functions a HP-71- B BASIC Language Handheld Computer Optimized for Calculations . HP-41C- V Texas Instruments INCORPORATED HEWLETT hp PACKARD HP-41C- X Z45uu $ 4o5uu $ (SE!mm lHX MfvrN n n S5lr jctv i SHARP ELECTROfCCS CORPORATION - Detailsrestrictions as follows: Present dated ad within seven days 2. Advertiser must nave advertised item in stock 1. This special sale is only good thru January 30, 1985 Largest selection of Hewlett Packard products in the valley. VALLEY EAST 1057 EAST 2100 SO. 1 i SUGARHOUSE 467-15-37 VALLEY WEST 3601 SO. 2700 W. VALLEY FAIR MALL 969-630- 3 3. No Special Orders 4. Does not apply to mail-orde- r or closeout offers. 5. Sorry, no additional discount J University Bookstore