Is this the start?Monday, a government task force suggested that mammograms not be done until age 50, rather than 40 as previously recommended. It appears to me that even prior to health care reform taking place, the rules are being changed.

 

No doubt the purpose is to avoid paying for this early detection procedure. Is this the beginning of Obama care rationing of health care? What is next? Pap smears, X-rays, CAT scans, MRIs?

Supposedly the government health care reform promotes early detection of health problems.

I urge readers to contact their senators and congressmen to encourage their vote against the health care legislation.

Godfrey Lanik, Ceresco

Study other reasons

The University of Nebraska regents continue to formulate policy regarding embryonic stem cell research. Their openness to and careful deliberation of various points of view is appreciated.

It is my opinion that some opponents (e.g., Nebraska’s Right to Life organization and Nebraska Catholic Bishops) are basing their spirited opposition to embryonic stem cell research on almost entirely religious arguments.

It is very important to know that while the U.S. Roman Catholic Church, Missouri Synod Lutherans and the Southern Baptist Convention oppose embryonic stem cell research, the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Episcopal Church, the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Jewish faiths, and the United Methodist Church support and even encourage embryonic stem cell research within ethical protocols.

Sincere believers among many Christian and non-Christian denominations can and do disagree. Considering these significant disagreements, it is very important that other than religious dogmas be considered when the regents are making public health research policy for our university.

Carlton B. Paine, Lincoln

Put own views aside

I have been reading the articles on the upcoming University of Nebraska regents’ decision on stem cell research.

As the wife of a cancer patient who is in a trial program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, I urge the regents not to put their personal view on morality before the needs of people whose only hope for a cure lies in the research being done on stem cells.

Regents were elected to put their views aside and do what is in the best interests of the citizens of Nebraska.

The doctors who do research in their laboratories are trying to give life and pain-free existence to the people who suffer from incurable diseases. I have nothing but respect for all the doctors we have met at UNMC in Omaha.

We Nebraskans do not know how fortunate we are to have this outstanding medical facility in our state. The regents should not slow or stop their research.

They should put their own views aside for the hope of life. Because who knows what life has in store for any of us. One day we assume we are in good health, the next we get a life-altering diagnosis and it is considered hopeless because not enough research has been done to cure it.

Regents simply are elected officials whose votes can make life better or worse for the citizens of Nebraska. They should make life better.

Becky Schenaman, Lincoln