Renowned Philosopher and Writer to Lecture in Saskatoon

Posted August 30, 2000


August 30, 2000 2000-08-01-OTHER
Renowned Philosopher and Writer to Lecture in Saskatoon

The University of Saskatchewan has invited an internationally renowned
philosopher and writer who specializes in medical ethics and feminist issues
to be this year?s Whelen lecturer: Dr. Mary B. Mahowald.

Dr. Mahowald is also a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology at the MacLean Centre for Clinical and Medical Ethics and a
member of the Committee on Genetics at the University of Chicago. She is
regularly involved in cases that raise ethical questions.

Dr. Mahowald will give five lectures while in Saskatoon, all of which are
open to faculty, students and interested members of the public, free of
charge.

The first two lectures - one on bioethical issues and the other on classical
pragmatism and feminism - will be presented on September 11 at Place Riel
Theatre and Chelsy Lounge, St. Thomas More College on campus. They will be
of particular interest to high school and university students and will have
an informal/discussion format.

Dr. Mahowald?s remaining lectures will be held on September 12. The first
lecture will explore the ethical, social and clinical issues surrounding
testing for late onset disorders, disclosure of misattributed paternity and
access to genetic services. It will be held at The Royal University
Hospital, Mall Theatre. The second lecture, at Place Riel Theatre, will
focus on the development of policies regarding genetic testing for
susceptibility to breast cancer.

Later, at 7:00 p.m., Dr. Mahowald will present her main lecture at the Delta
Bessborough Hotel entitled Just Genes? Gender, Ability, and Class
differences in the New Geneticss.This lecture is intended primarily for the
public. It will explore issues of topical interest that focus on the ethical
and social issues created by the increasing complexity of our society and
the rapid advances being made in medical technology.

The Whelen Lecture was established in 1987 through a bequest from a
distinguished alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Myron Whelen.
Its mandate is to bring internationally recognized authorities in
disciplines taught at the University to the U of S campus.

Peter MacKinnon, University President, said: "We are honoured that Dr.
Mahowald is able to share her knowledge and experience with the University,
the people of Saskatoon and the province."

For more information, or to arrange a media interview, please contact:

Tina Merrifield
Office of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2213

or

Christine Anderson-Obach
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5530

http:/www.usask.ca/events/whelen/index.html