Cadaver Prosection Is Ethically Done

I wish to respond to the letter of Allen Porter (Nov. 27), which questioned the ethics of the cadaver prosection program at Orange Coast College in reference to the “Bodies of Knowledge” article (Nov. 15).

Mr. Porter’s letter refers to a five-hour anatomy course as the prerequisite. That course is actually a five-unit semester-length course that involves more than 50 hours of lecture and 100 hours of laboratory time.

The students are carefully instructed in the care and handling of human remains, and part of that training concerns the significance of donating a body to science. The students understand the importance of this decision to themselves and the program.

A significant outcome for the students in these classes is a greater respect for life and the human body. Simply because the Times reporter did not choose to mention our instruction in medical ethics does not mean that it doesn’t exist.

Mr. Porter’s statement was not based on any facts reported in the article.

I also take exception to Mr. Porter’s allegation that an open door contributes to a “carnival atmosphere.”

Quite contrary to that. I believe that our openness contributes to a college atmosphere where education occurs both in and out of classes.

The policy of leaving the door to the dissection laboratory open at times is a carefully considered department decision and not something required for ventilation. If a student wants to come in, look closely at a body and ask some questions, we hope it is a learning experience that provides a greater understanding of their own body and a greater respect for life.

We don’t need publicity to attract students to the biology program at Orange Coast College. Our reputation for excellence and quality instruction brings us twice the number of students that we can accommodate.

However, I do want people considering donation of their bodies to science to know that we understand how great a gift that is.

We have seen the lives of many students greatly enriched by the educational program made possible through those gifts, and we will always insist on sensitivity and respect for this aspect of our program.

STANLEY N. JOHNSON

Dean, Mathematics & Sciences

Orange Coast College