Bioethics on Air: Recent Episodes

National Catholic Bioethics Center

Host Jozef Zalot interviews prominent ethicists and medical professionals on the big issues facing health care today. "Ethics on Air" is a production of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. The views expressed in "Ethics on Air" do not necessarily represent those of the Editorial Board or the ethicists or staff of the National Catholic Bioethics Center. for more information on Catholic bioethics visit https://www.ncbcenter.org/.

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Joseph Meaney, NCBC Senior Fellow, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the challenges of obtaining accurate abortion statistics in the United States. Joseph speaks to how abortion statistics are currently obtained, who compiles them, and how chemical abortion (abortion pill) has clouded the overall picture. He also discusses how informed consent is often absent from a woman’s decision to abort.Resources1. Joseph Meaney bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/joseph-meaney-phd2. “The Ethics of Abortion Statistics” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/messages-from-presidents/abortionstats3. Whole Woman’s Heath v. Hellerstedt (2016) is the US Supreme Court case (the one we could not remember!) that ruled unconstitutional a Texas law requiring abortion centers in the state to have facilities comparable to ambulatory surgical centers. The court ruled the law placed a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking an abortion and thus constituted an undue burden on women to access abortion – https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/whole-womans-health-v-cole/4. NCBC Certification Program – https://www.ncbcenter.org/certification-programIf you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Louis Brown, Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the unprecedented challenges that Catholic health care faced under the Biden administration, and what we can expect under the Trump 2. In part two of the interview, Louis discusses gender ideology and conscience protection for health care professionals, contrasting how these issues were dealt with very differently by the Trump 1 and Biden administrations. He also offers thoughts on what we can expect on these topics, and others, in Trump 2.Resources1. Louis Brown bio - https://focusequip.org/author/louisbrown/2. Christ Medicus Foundation - https://christmedicus.org/3. Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance – https://catholichealthalliance.org/4. Bioethics on Air, episode 89: “Introducing the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance” with Steven White (March 28, 2022) - https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-89-introducing-the-catholic-health-care-leadership-alliance

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Louis Brown, Executive Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the unprecedented challenges that Catholic health care faced under the Biden administration, and what we can expect under Trump 2. In part one of the interview, Louis discusses his work at the Christ Medicus Foundation and at the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights during the first Trump administration. He also compares and contrasts the abortion policies of the Trump 1 and Biden administrations, and offers his thoughts on what can expect concerning abortion in Trump 2.Resources1. Louis Brown bio - https://focusequip.org/author/louisbrown/2. Christ Medicus Foundation - https://christmedicus.org/3 US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights - https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/index.html4. Bioethics on Air, episode 55: “Protecting Conscience and Religious Liberty” with Roger Severino (February 22, 2021) - https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-55-protecting-conscience-and-religious-liberty5. NCBC Certification Program – https://www.ncbcenter.org/certification-program

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Andrew Kubick, author of Transplanting the Womb: A Catholic Bioethical Analysis, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the realities of uterine transplants. In part one of the interview, Andrew speaks to his work at the Religious Freedom Institute, tells why he wrote the book, and explains the process of uterine transplantation focusing on its medical and ethical implications. Resources1. Andrew Kubick bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/andrewkubickReligious Freedom Institute – https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/2. Transplanting the Womb: A Catholic Bioethical Analysis – https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/transplanting-the-womb-a-catholic-bioethical-analysis3. “Are Womb Transplants Immoral?” Fr. Tad Pacholczyk – https://www.ncbcenter.org/making-sense-of-bioethics-cms/114-are-womb-transplants-immoral4. “The Ethics of Uterine Transplantation,” Sr. Renee Mirkes – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1179/002436308803889602 5. NCBC Certification Program – https://www.ncbcenter.org/certification-programIf you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Andrew Kubick, author of Transplanting the Womb: A Catholic Bioethical Analysis, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the realities of uterine transplants. In part two of the interview, Andrew addresses the implications of uterine transplants for childbearing, organ donation, and so-called gender transitioning. Resources1. Andrew Kubick bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/andrewkubick2. Religious Freedom Institute – https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/3. Transplanting the Womb: A Catholic Bioethical Analysis – https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/transplanting-the-womb-a-catholic-bioethical-analysisBook launch at Catholic Information Center, Washington DC – https://cicdc.org/event/kubick/If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC), joins Joe Zalot to discuss euthanasia in Canada. In part two of his interview, Alex discusses conscience protection (or lack thereof) for health care professionals and institutions in Canada. He then explains how eligibility for euthanasia and assisted suicide has expanded in Canada and, drawing upon real stories, warns what happens when a society legalizes direct killing.Resources1. Euthanasia Prevention Coalition – https://epcc.ca/2. Euthanasia Prevention Coalition USA – https://epc-usa.org/3. Fourth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2022 - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-system-services/annual-report-medical-assistance-dying-2022.html If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Alex Schadenberg, Executive Director of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC), joins Joe Zalot to discuss euthanasia in Canada. In the first of two interviews, Alex addresses the process of how euthanasia was legalized in Canada, the arguments proponents use to justify it, and how the practice has become entrenched in Canadian culture.Resources:1. Euthanasia Prevention Coalition – https://epcc.ca/2. Euthanasia Prevention Coalition USA – https://epc-usa.org/3. Alex Schadenberg blog – https://alexschadenberg.blogspot.com/4. Fourth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2022 - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/health-system-services/annual-report-medical-assistance-dying-2022.htmlIf you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Pharmacists Angela Baalmann and Nicole Allcock join Joe Zalot to discuss the newly formed Catholic Pharmacy Association. They address why the association was formed, its mission and vision, and the support it offers for pharmacists who seek to practice in accord with their faith.Resources1. Catholic Pharmacy Association – https://www.catholicpharmacy.org/2. Angela Baalman info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelabaalmann/3. Nicole Allcock info – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-allcock-pharm-d-m-s-bioethics-fashp-7616215/4. Bioethics on Air episode 101: “Faith in the Pharmacy” (October 2022) – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-101-faith-in-the-pharmacy

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Dr. Tim Millea, an orthopedic surgeon (retired) and Chair of the Catholic Medical Association’s (CMA) Health Care Policy subcommittee, joins Joe Zalot to discuss important ethical challenges facing Catholic health care in the United States, and the work of the CMA in addressing them. In part two of the interview, Tim addresses chemical abortion, transgenderism, brain death, assisted suicide, and the need for conscience and religious liberty protections for health care professionals.Resources1. Catholic Medical Association – https://www.cathmed.org/2. Bioethics on Air, episode 112: “Chemical Abortion and the Courts” (May 12, 2023) – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-112-chemical-abortion-and-the-courts3. “The WPATH Files” – https://environmentalprogress.org/big-news/wpath-files4. The Cass Report: “Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People” – https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/5. NCBC, “Integrity in the Determination of Brain Death: Recent Challenges and Next Steps” – https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/661802bbc44c0135b4f86639/1712849595809/Integity+in+the+Determination+of+Brain+Death.pdf6. “Rethinking Brain Death: Why Dead Enough is Not Good Enough” – https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207407 If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Dr. Tim Millea, an orthopedic surgeon (retired) and Chair of the Catholic Medical Association’s (CMA) Health Care Policy subcommittee, joins Joe Zalot to discuss important ethical challenges facing Catholic health care in the United States, and the work of the CMA in addressing them. In part one of this interview, Tim discusses his work in health care policy and addresses issues concerning abortion, the Democrat party’s “all in” on it, and in-vitro fertilization or IVF. Resources1. Catholic Medical Association – https://www.cathmed.org/2. Human Life Action – National Committee for a Human Life Amendment: State Updates at https://www.humanlifeaction.org/state-updates/3. American United for Life – State Spotlight at https://aul.org/law-and-policy/state-spotlight/ If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Neurologist Christopher DeCock, MD, rejoins Joe Zalot to discuss the latest news on brain death. They discuss (a) the impact of the Uniform Law Commission placing on hold revision of the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA), (b) the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) new and problematic guidelines for determining brain death, and (c) informed consent concerns arising with normothermic regional perfusion (NRP). Resources1. Dr. Christopher DeCock info - https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-doctor-provider/profile/christopher-decock/2. Bioethics on Air #109 - https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-109-redefining-death-by-revising-the-udda3. Bioethics on Air #119 - https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-119-update-on-udda-revisions-and-concerns-with-normothermic-regional-perfusion4. Uniform Determination of Death Act – https://lchc.ucsd.edu/cogn_150/Readings/death_act.pdf5. AAN 2023 DNC Practice Guidelines - https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207740

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Neurologist Christopher DeCock, MD, rejoins Joe Zalot to update listeners on efforts to redefine death by revising the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA). He also discusses important medical and ethical concerns with normothermic regional perfusion (start at 36:25).

Resources

  1. Dr. Christopher DeCock info – https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-doctor-provider/profile/christopher-decock/

  2. Bioethics on Air #109, Redefining Death by Revising the UDDA – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-109-redefining-death-by-revising-the-udda

  3. Uniform Determination of Death Act – https://higherlogicdownload.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/UNIFORMLAWS/4d19d096-be64-3c0f-ae71-a514b64c06a6_file.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAVRDO7IEREB57R7MT&Expires=1676665298&Signature=TyhShhP9KKdB%2Fhrlzz0xrFYVgdY%3D

  4. Submission of the NCBC and USCCB to the Uniform Determination of Death Committee of the Uniform Law Commission – https://www.usccb.org/resources/Joint_submission_NCBC_and_USCCB_on_UDDA_2023.pdf

  5. American College of Physicians statement on revising the UDDA – https://www.acponline.org/sites/default/files/documents/clinical_information/ethics-professionalism/acp_letter_to_ulc_cmte_on_udda_06-07-23.pdf

  6. “Normothermic Regional Perfusion – The Next Frontier in Organ Transplants” – https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2805776

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Fr. Tad Pacholczyk joins Joe Zalot to update listeners on the state of—and ethical implications of—contemporary issues in biomedical research. Topics include stem cell research, 3-parent embryos, and synthetic embryos.

Resources

  1. Fr. Tad bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/fathertad

  2. Fr. Tad website – https://www.fathertad.com/

  3. Fr. Tad’s “Making Sense of Bioethics” columns – https://www.ncbcenter.org/making-sense-of-bioethics-column#index

  4. “Ethicists Voice Concern Over Reprogramming Human Embryonic Cells for Research” (“synthetic” embryos) – https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/ethicists-voice-concern-over-reprogramming-human-embryonic-cells-for-research/

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Karen O’Brien, MD, a member of the Lourdes Medical Bureau/International, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the process of determining the medical “inexplicability” of healings at Lourdes. Karen and Joe also announce a pilgrimage to Lourdes & Paris that they will lead in April 2024.

Resources: 1. Karen O’Brien brief bio – https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/16581/karen-o-brien 2. “Talking of Palliative Care” (with MC Sullivan) – https://www.catholictv.org/talking-of-palliative-care-episodes.html 3. 60 Minutes story on the miraculous healing of Sister Bernadette Moriau – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaG7mesmdH4 4. Information about the Lourdes & Paris pilgrimage 2024 - https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/64a7066d5118b25e203d2f1c/1688667760837/Information+initial-Lourdes+%26+Paris+2024.pdf 5. For information about the pilgrimage, please email Joe Zalot at jzalot@ncbcenter.org or drztravel@yahoo.com.

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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In part 2 of his interview, John Di Camillo explains the rationale and purpose for the NCBC’s new Fellows and Interns program. He explains how one can become a fellow or intern as well as his goals for the program moving forward.

Resources: 1. John Di Camillo brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johndicamillo 2. NCBC Personal Consultations Fellows and Interns Program: Information and application – https://www.ncbcenter.org/personal-consult-fellows-interns

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate.

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In the first of a two-part interview, NCBC ethicist John Di Camillo joins Joe Zalot to discuss the NCBC’s ethics consultation service as well as his first year serving as Director of the Center’s Personal Consultations Department.

Resources: 1. John Di Camillo brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johndicamillo 2. About the Personal Consultations Department – www.ncbcenter.org/about-personal-consults 3. Personal Consultations Department Launch Message – https://www.ncbcenter.org/personal-consults-launch 4. Submit a consult request to the NCBC – www.ncbcenter.org/ask-a-question 5. “Act of Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” – https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/62bb5fafdd296c1cadda57ab/1656446896083/Personal+Consults+Consecration.pdf 6. “Answering Bioethical Questions,” Ave Explores Faith and Science podcast with John Di Camillo (2021) – https://www.avemariapress.com/aveexplores-faith-science/podcast-dicamillo 7. “How to Get an Ethics Consult,” Doctor, Doctor podcast with Joe Zalot (2022) – https://doctordoctor.org/episode284/

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate.

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In the second half of her interview, Dr. Monique Ruberu discusses her work with the Abortion-Pill Reversal Network and 40 Days for Life. Resources: 1. Monique Ruberu bio – https://drruberu4life.com/ 2. Abortion Pill Reversal – https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/ or 1-877-558-0333 3. 40 Days for Life – https://www.40daysforlife.com/en/ 4. ThriVe Woman’s Telehealth – https://thrivestlouis.org/If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Dr. Monique Ruberu, OB/GYN joins Joe Zalot to discuss the claim that abortion is health care, pro-life interventions for pregnancy complications, and the true impact of abortion on her patients. Resource: Monique Ruberu bio – https://drruberu4life.com/If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Attorney and law professor Elizabeth Kirk joins Joe Zalot to discuss recent (April 2023) federal court cases dealing with the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. Resources1. Elizabeth Kirk brief bio – m https://www.law.edu/about-us/faculty-and-staff/directory/expert-faculty/kirk-elizabeth/index.html2. Alliance Defending Freedom case page – https://adflegal.org/article/clinton-era-fda-action-keeps-women-danger3. Amicus brief of the NCBC, Catholic Bar Association, Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance, etc. in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, et. al., v. FDA – https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22A901/263856/20230418135102389_22A901%20and%2022A902_Amicus%20Brief.pdf4. Elizabeth Kirk, “Buyer Beware: Women’s Safety is a Key Oversight in the Abortion Debate” – https://www.oursundayvisitor.com/buyer-beware-womens-safety-is-a-key-oversight-in-the-abortion-pill-debate/5. Bioethics on Air, episode 75: “Straight Talk on Chemical Abortion” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-75-straight-talk-on-chemical-abortionIf you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Attorney Jonathan Berry returns to Bioethics on Air to discuss Strader v. CVS, the case of a health care professional fired for refusing to prescribe contraceptive and abortifacient drugs.Resources1. Jonathan Berry bio – https://boydengrayassociates.com/our-team/jonathan-berry/2. First Liberty Case Page, Robyn Strader – https://firstliberty.org/cases/robyn-strader/3. Complaint: Strader v. CVS – https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/legaldocs/myvmoggqzvr/011123%20--%20ND%20Tex%20--%20Strader%20v%20CVS%20Health%20Corp%20et%20al%20complaint.pdf4. Ethics Public Policy Center, HHS Accountability Project – https://eppc.org/program/hhs-accountability-project/5. Bioethics on Air episode 81: “Legal Perspectives on the Federal Vaccine Mandate” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-81-legal-perspectives-on-the-federal-vaccine-mandate If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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NCBC ethicists Dr. Ted Furton and Dr. John Brehany join Joe Zalot to discuss the USCCB Doctrine Committee’s “Doctrinal Note on the Moral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body” and the impact it can have on Catholic health care. Resources1. USCCB Committee on Doctrine, “Doctrinal Note on the Moral Limits to Technological Manipulation of the Human Body” – https://www.usccb.org/resources/Doctrinal%20Note%202023-03-20.pdf2. NCBC, “Brief Statement on Transgenderism” (2017) – https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/5eb96ca6784e2246467b42b1/1589210278798/Q16.4_05_TransgenderStatement_REV.pdf3. NCBC, Transgender Issues in Catholic Health Care (2021) – https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/transgenderissues. See especially chapter 4: “Catholic Health Care and Gender Identity: A Resource for Policy Guidance;” and chapter 5: “Template Policy for Catholic Health Care and Gender Identity.”

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Neurologist Christopher DeCock, MD, joins Joe Zalot to discuss how proposed changes to the Uniform Determination of Death Act (UDDA) could change the legal definition of brain death. Resources1. Dr. Christopher DeCock info – https://www.essentiahealth.org/find-doctor-provider/profile/christopher-decock/2. Uniform Determination of Death Act – https://higherlogicdownload.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/UNIFORMLAWS/4d19d096-be64-3c0f-ae71-a514b64c06a6_file.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAVRDO7IEREB57R7MT&Expires=1676665298&Signature=TyhShhP9KKdB%2Fhrlzz0xrFYVgdY%3D3. Uniform Law Commission - https://www.uniformlaws.org/home

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Dr. John Haas, NCBC President Emeritus, and Dr. Joseph Meaney, current NCBC President, join Joe Zalot to commemorate the Center’s accomplishments over its first fifty years and chart its course for the future.Resources 1. Dr. John Haas brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johnhaas 2. Dr. Joseph Meaney brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/joseph-meaney-phd 3. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI, On Conscience, The National Catholic Bioethics Center, 2007 – https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/on-conscience

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Dr. John Brehany, NCBC Director of Institutional Relations, joins Joe Zalot to discuss possible consequences of the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) revised messaging that Plan B is not an abortifacient. Resources1. Dr. John Brehany brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johnbrehany2. FDA, Plan B One Step Information – https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information3. Bioethics on Air, episode 75: “Straight Talk on Chemical Abortion” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-75-straight-talk-on-chemical-abortion

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Dr. John Brehany, NCBC Director of Institutional Relations, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) revised messaging that Plan B is not an abortifacient. Resources1. Dr. John Brehany brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johnbrehany2. FDA, Plan B One Step Information – https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information3. FDA, Decisional Memorandum on Plan B – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021998Orig1s005SumR.pdf4. FDA Drug Facts Label for Plan B – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021998Orig1s005lbl.pdf If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Robert Smedley, President of the Matthias Group, joins Joe Zalot to discuss how Catholic employers can maintain Catholic identity and mission in their employee health benefits plans, focusing specifically on pharmaceuticals.Resources1. The Matthias Group, LLC – https://matthiasgrp.com/. Contact info: smedley@matthiasgrp.com or 844-628-84772.“Mission Aligned Job Postings,” Catholic Benefits Association – https://catholicbenefitsassociation.org/mission-aligned-job-postings/If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Dr. Marie Meaney joins Joe Zalot to discuss how her Catholic faith sustained her in her struggle with infertility, and inspired her to write the book "When Expecting Doesn’t Happen: Turning Infertility into a Journey of Hope."

Resources

  1. When Expecting Doesn’t Happen: Turning Infertility into a Journey of Hope – https://stpaulcenter.com/product/when-expecting-doesnt-happen-turning-infertility-into-a-journey-of-hope/

  2. Saint Paul VI Institute – https://popepaulvi.com/

  3. Hannah’s Tears – https://hannahstears.org/

  4. Springs in the Desert – https://springsinthedesert.org/

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Bishop John Barres, ordinary of the Diocese of Rockville Centre (Long Island)—along with canon lawyer Fr. Brandon O’Brien—discuss the bishop’s governance with regard to Catholic health care, as well as his role in fostering its Catholic identity and ethical integrity.

Resources: 1. Bishop Barres’ webpage – https://www.bishopbarres.com/ 2. “The Pastoral Role of the Diocesan Bishop in Catholic Health Care Ministry” –https://www.usccb.org/resources/The%20Pastoral%20Role%20of%20the%20Diocesan%20Bishop%20in%20Catholic%20Health%20Care%20Ministry%202_0.pdf

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Jenny Ingles, Director of Fertility and Life Ministries for the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, discusses her state’s Proposal 3. If enacted by voters, Proposal 3 would enshrine the so-called right to abortion in the Michigan state constitution.

Resources

  1. Diocese of Lansing, MI: “Fight Like Heaven: Vote NO on Proposal 3” – https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/office-bishop/fight-heaven-54-day-rosary-novena

  2. “Analysis: The Dangers Within Proposal 3” – https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/office-bishop/analysis-dangers-within-proposal-3

  3. Jenny Ingles, “How Michigan’s Proposal 3 Allows Child Sterilization Without Parental Consent” – https://www.ncregister.com/commentaries/how-michigan-s-proposal-3-allows-child-sterilization-without-parental-consent

  4. Support Michigan Women and Children – https://supportmiwomenandchildren.org/donate/

  5. Bioethics on Air episodes 51 and 52, “Living and Loving NFP” (parts 1 & 2) Part 1 – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-51-living-and-loving-nfp-part-1 Part 2 – m https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/episode-52-living-and-loving-nfp-part-2

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Pharmacy resident Angela Baalmann discusses ethical challenges facing faithful Catholic pharmacists drawing from her article “Pharmacist Refusal to Provide Contraceptive Services” published in the Spring 2022 edition of The National Catholic Bioethics Quarterly.

Resources 1. “Pharmacist Refusal to Provide Contraceptive Services” – https://www.pdcnet.org/collection/authorizedshow?id=ncbq_2022_0022_0001_0083_0097&pdfname=ncbq_2022_0022_0001_0083_0097.pdf&file_type=pdf 2. Catholic Pharmacists – https://www.catholicpharmacists.com/ 3. Catholic Medical Association – https://www.cathmed.org/

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Dr. George Mychaskiw discusses the proposed St. Padre Pio Institute for the Relief of Suffering, School of Osteopathic Medicine, an institute that will “train faithful physicians in the Catholic framework, and through their practice of medicine evangelize the good news of Jesus Christ.”

  1. St. Padre Pio Institute for the Relief of Suffering, School of Osteopathic Medicine (proposed) – https://www.chi-usa.com/chi-initiatives/catholic-medical-school/
  2. Catholic Healthcare International – https://www.chi-usa.com/
  3. Contact Dr. Mychaskiw directly at gmychaskiw@CHI-USA.com
  4. Benedictine College, Atchison, KS – https://www.benedictine.edu/

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Religious liberty attorney Eric Kniffen returns to Bioethics on Air to break down US Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, the case that reversed Roe v. Wade. Kniffin addresses originalism, how Roe was “egregiously wrong,” and why stare decisis did not apply in Dobbs. Note: Although not discussed, the podcast references the due process clause of the 14th Amendment which reads, “... nor shall any State deprive a person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law.”

Resources 1. The Dobbs Decision (Justice Alito’s majority opinion begins on page 9) https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/19-1392_6j37.pdf 2. Bioethics on Air episode 37: “Religious Liberty and Bostock” (June 29, 2020) https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-37-religious-liberty-and-bostockwith-attorney-eric-kniffen

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Diocesan pro-life leaders Allison LeDoux (Worcester, MA) and Fr. Peter Ascik (Charlotte, NC) discuss the opportunities provided by, and the challenges facing, the Catholic Church in the post-Dobbs world. They also address the Church’s ongoing efforts to promote the culture of life in the United States.

Resources: 1. Respect Life Office, Diocese of Worcester, MA – https://www.worcesterdiocese.org/respect-life 2. Office of Family Life, Diocese of Charlotte, NC – https://charlottediocese.org/office-of-family-life/ 3. Project Rachel Ministry – https://hopeafterabortion.com/ 4. Bioethics on Air episode 84: “Project Rachel Ministry” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/bioethics-on-air-podcast-cms/bioethics-on-air-episode-84-project-rachel-ministry 5. NCBC, “Medical Interventions During Pregnancy in Light of Dobbs” (coming soon)

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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In part 2 of their interview, nursing student Elizabeth Niekrewicz and nurse educator DiAnn Ecret address concrete, practical steps that nursing students (and others) can take to protect their conscience rights in an increasingly hostile medical environment.

Resources: 1. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for Ethics in Health Care, https://www.ethics.va.gov/index.asp 2. NCBC, “Cooperation with Moral Evil,” https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/5ed65fe1acf7c915f772f786/1591107554407/NCBCsummFAQ_2013_Cooperation.pdf 3. NCBC, “Transfer of Care vs. Referral: A Crucial Moral Distinction,” https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources-and-statements-cms/transfer-of-care-vs-referral-a-crucial-moral-distinction 4. Fr. Tad Pacholczyk’s “Making Sense of Bioethics” columns on cooperation with evil, https://www.ncbcenter.org/making-sense-of-bioethics-cms/tag/Cooperation%20in%20Evil 5. National Association of Catholic Nurses—USA, https://nacn-usa.org/ 6. Catholic Medical Association, https://www.cathmed.org/ 7. NCBC memberships, https://www.ncbcenter.org/membership-overview

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a Donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

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Nursing student Elizabeth Niekrewicz and nurse educator DiAnn Ecret address ethical challenges facing nursing students both in the classroom and in clinicals. Issues discussed include the importance of—and changing nature of—the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, hierarchal power dynamics, and differing interpretations of the term advocacy.

Resources: 1. Ashley Fernandes & DiAnn Ecret, “The Effect of Hierarchy on Moral Silence in Healthcare: What Can the Holocaust Teach Us?” Conatus - Journal of Philosophy, 4 (2019), 21–43. https://doi.org/10.12681/cjp.21763. 2. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. https://www.nursingworld.org/coe-view-only 3. Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, sixth edition, 2018. https://www.usccb.org/resources/ethical-religious-directives-catholic-health-service-sixth-edition-2016-06_3.pdf

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In part two of her interview, Grace-Marie Turner, President of the Galen Institute, addresses issues of cost, waste, and accessibility within the US health care sector. She also explains free market proposals for reform offered by the Health Policy Consensus Group in its publication Health Care Choices 2020: A Vision for the Future.

Resources 1. Galen Institute – https://galen.org/ 2. Health Care Choices 2020: A Vision for the Future - https://galen.org/2020/health-care-choices-2020/ 3. “Applying Catholic Principles in Evaluating Health Care Reform Proposals,” Catholic Medical Association – https://www.cathmed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Catholic-Principles-in-Health-Reform.pdf

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In the first of a two-part interview, Grace-Marie Turner, President of the Galen Institute, explains both the history and the many challenges facing the US health care sector, focusing on the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). She also discusses the impact of implementing a single-payer system, or “Medicare for All,” in the United States.

Resources 1. Galen Institute – https://galen.org/ 2. Health Care Choices 2020: A Vision for the Future - https://galen.org/2020/health-care-choices-2020/

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In part two of his interview, Dr. Charlie Camosy speaks about his appearance on Tucker Carson Tonight where he addressed Canada’s euthanizing of the poor. He also discusses his new position at the Creighton University School of Medicine.

Resources

  1. Camosy on Canada’s euthanizing the poor from “Tucker Carlson Tonight” – https://twitter.com/TPostMillennial/status/1524554181515915265

  2. “Why is Canada Euthanizing the Poor?” Spectator Australia – https://spectator.com.au/2022/04/why-is-canada-euthanising-the-poor/

  3. Resisting Throwaway Culture: How a Consistent Life Ethics Can Unite Fractured People - https://www.newcitypress.com/resisting-throwaway-culture.html

  4. Losing our Dignity: How Secularized Medicine is Undermining Fundamental Human Equality - "Losing Our Dignity" by Charles Camosy (newcitypress.com)

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Dr. Charlie Camosy returns to Bioethics on Air to discuss the leaked decision in the Dobbs case and its impact on abortion politics in the United States.

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Pro-life OB/GYN Chris Stroud continues his critique of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ March 2022 ‘guidance’ on how to speak about abortion. This interview focuses on ACOG’s deceptive claims concerning dismemberment abortion and what the word term means.

Resources: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Guide to Language and Abortion https://www.acog.org/-/media/project/acog/acogorg/files/pdfs/publications/abortion-language-guide.pdf?bcs-agent-scanner=b726659c-4179-4d4b-9103-aa1fdac5aed9

  1. Live Action video (animated) of the dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion procedure – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgw4X7Dw_3k&ab_channel=LiveAction

  2. https://mycatholicdoctor.com/

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Pro-life OB/GYN Chris Stroud joins Bioethics on Air to critique the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ March 2022 ‘guidance’ on how to speak about abortion. This interview focuses on ACOG’s claim that we can no longer use the terms baby, unborn child, or fetal heartbeat.

Resources: 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Guide to Language and Abortion at https://www.acog.org/contact/media-center/abortion-language-guide 2. Fertility and Midwifery Care Center – https://fertilityandmidwifery.com. For telehealth, email drstroud@fertilityandmidwifery.com 3. "Doctor, Doctor" podcast, episode 256 – “Child Birth: Safe, Healthy, and Empowered Options.” Go to https://doctordoctor.org/ and click on “Discover Past Episodes”

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Steven White, MD and NCBC President Joseph Meaney join Joe Zalot introduce the newly formed Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance (CHCLA). Steve and Joseph explain why the alliance was formed, discuss its founding members, and set an ambitious agenda to transform Catholic health care.

CHCLA website – CatholicHealthAlliance.org

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Family Medicine physician Lisa Gilbert discusses the ethical challenges surrounding referrals for illicit medical interventions, the distinction between referral and transfer of care, and her work advocating for the conscience rights of medical professionals.

Resources: 1. Ukrainian Catholic Crisis Media Center – https://uccmc.org 2. Advocacy for Life course - https://www.studentsforlifehq.com/advocacyforlife 3. Cynthia Jones-Nosacek, MD, “Referral vs Transfer of Care: Ethical Options When Values Differ,” Linacre Quarterly, 2021

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC - https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate.

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In part two of his interview, Dr. John Di Camillo addresses how the Catholic understanding of the common good can help inform responses to ongoing ethical concerns regarding COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as well as mandates.

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Dr. John Di Camillo discusses his presentation on COVID-19 vaccines and mandates from the 2022 NCBC Bishops Workshop. In part one of this interview, John focuses on the latest available information concerning COVID vaccines and how this information should inform judgments of conscience.

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Ashley Womack, MD discusses how, through her Catholic faith, she navigated the ethical challenges of both medical school and OB/GYN residency, including her refusal to complete a “family planning” rotation at Planned Parenthood.

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Mary McClusky, Assistant Director for Project Rachel Ministry Development with the USCCB Committee on Pro Life Activities, joins Joe Zalot to discuss this specifically Catholic model of abortion healing ministry. Mary focuses on the challenges women face following an abortion, the services that Project Rachel Ministry offers, and how the sacraments (especially reconciliation) play a key role in the abortion healing process.

Project Rachel Ministries website: https://hopeafterabortion.com/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-body-keeps-the-score-bessel-van-der-kolk-md/1117229987 Dr. Vince Rue – Alliance for Post Abortion Research and Training: https://www.standapart.org/

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Noah Brandt, Director of Government Affairs at Live Action, discusses the Dobbs case, the Texas Heartbeat Bill, and Ohio’s 2363 Bill. He also explains the importance of properly interpreting the Fourteenth Amendment as well as Live Action’s efforts to counter corporate censorship.

Access all of Live Action’s resources at liveaction.org.

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In part two of our interview, attorney Jonathan Berry offers a legal perspective of religious and conscience objection, and he discusses what is reasonable (and not reasonable) in terms of requesting such an exemption. He also suggests what individuals can do when facing termination for refusing a COVID-19 vaccine.

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Attorney Jonathan Berry explains the legal and constitutional challenges to the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and he clarifies the status of these challenges in the federal courts to date.

UPDATE: Just hours after this interview was recorded, a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the Biden vaccine mandate. Boyden Gray filed an appeal with the US Supreme Court within 45 minutes of that ruling.

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Dr. Maureen Condic, Associate Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine, discusses (1) how science demonstrates that human life begins at conception, and (2) how recent scientific advances indicate that preborn children may exhibit consciousness, and experience pain, earlier than previously thought.

Podcast resources:

Maureen L. Condic, Untangling Twinning: What Science Tells Us About the Nature of Human Embryos https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268107055/untangling-twinning/

Brief of Maureen L. Condic and the Charlotte Lozier Institute as Amici Curiae Supporting Petitioners https://s27589.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CLI-Dobbs-Amicus-Brief.pdf

Maureen Condic, The Suffering of the Unborn https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2021/11/29/the-suffering-of-the-unborn/

Maureen Condic, A Scientific View Of When Life Begins https://s27589.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/On-Point-Scientific-View-of-When-Life-Begins-Condic-2014.pdf

How It Started/How It's Going demonstrating the difference between 1965 ultrasound and modern 4D ultrasound: https://twitter.com/LozierInstitute/status/1456335298812649475

Charlotte Lozier Institute video, The Voyage of Life https://lozierinstitute.org/voyage/

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Marie Hilliard, NCBC Senior Fellow, joins Joe Zalot to discuss Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court case that could have a profound impact on abortion law in the United States. Marie explains the case in light of three amicus briefs that she helped to prepare on behalf of pro-life organizations, including the NCBC.

Amicus briefs:

Brief of NCBC, Pro-life OB/GYNs Gianna Cazan-London and Melissa Halvorson, and Right to Life Michigan https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/61112fa9723fd06b05815db0/1628516265883/19-1392+tsac+National+Catholic+Bioethics+Center.pdf

Brief of the Catholic Medical Association, National Association of Catholic Nurses – USA, Idaho Chooses Life, and Texas Alliance for Life https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/618281f127a4911f19f41ee3/1635942897844/SCOTUS+MISSISSIPPI+Amicus+2021%281%29.pdf

Brief of 240 Women Scholars and Professionals, and Pro-life Feminist Organizations https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/61828aecb64df055090d926f/1635945197265/Amicus+Brief+of+240+Women+Scholars+and+Professionals+et+al.+2021.pdf

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In part three of our interview, Jason Eberl and John Brehany discuss the role of public health viz-à-viz Catholic teaching and explore notions of the common good with regard to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. They conclude by speaking to how Catholics are called to prophetic witness on the vaccine issue in the public square.

Eberl essays:

Vaccine Mandates are Coming. Catholics Have No Moral Reason to Oppose Them https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/08/10/covid-vaccine-mandate-exemptions-voluntary-ignorance-241196

Catholics Have No Grounds to Claim Exemption from COVID Vaccine Mandates, co-authored by Tobias Winright https://www.ncronline.org/news/coronavirus/catholics-have-no-grounds-claim-exemption-covid-vaccine-mandates

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In part two of our interview, Jason Eberl and John Brehany evaluate Jason’s claim that Catholics who object to vaccine mandates exhibit either scrupulosity or voluntary ignorance. They then address ways that people can properly form their conscience on the mandate issue.

Eberl essays: 1. Vaccine Mandates are Coming. Catholics Have No Moral Reason to Oppose Them, America, August 10, 2020 2. Catholics Have No Grounds to Claim Exemption from COVID Vaccine Mandates, co-authored by Tobias Winright, National Catholic Reporter, August 17, 2020

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Dr. Jason Eberl, professor of health care ethics and philosophy and Director of the Albert Gnaegi Center for Health Care Ethics at St. Louis University, and NCBC Executive Vice President John Brehany join Joe Zalot to discuss differing Catholic perspectives on COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Eberl essays: 1. Vaccine Mandates are Coming. Catholics Have No Moral Reason to Oppose Them, America, August 10, 2020 2. Catholics Have No Grounds to Claim Exemption from COVID Vaccine Mandates, co-authored by Tobias Winright, National Catholic Reporter, August 17, 2020

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Dr. Tara Sander Lee, Senior Fellow and Director of Life Science at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, and Tessa Longbons, Research Associate at CLI, discuss what chemical abortion is, how it is being promoted through telemedicine, and the numerous medical and ethical challenges it presents. Click here for the Charlotte Lozier Institute website.

Charlotte Lozier Institute resources on chemical abortion: 1) “Deaths and Severe Adverse Effects After the use of Mifepristone as an Abortifacient – from September 2000 to February 2019” https://www.sba-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Deaths-and-Severe-Adverse-Events-after-the-use-of-Mifepristone-as-an-Abortifacient-from-September-2000-to-February-2019-copy5.pdf 2) “An Abundance of Neglect: FDA’s Suspension of Medical Management of Abortion Pills” https://www.sba-list.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/An-Abundance-of-Neglect_clean.pdf 3) “The Impact of Chemical Abortion by Mail” https://lozierinstitute.org/the-impact-of-chemical-abortion-by-mail/

Project Rachel website: hopeafterabortion.com/

Information on abortion pill reversal: 1) abortionpillreversal.com 2) 24/7 Helpline: 1-877-558-0333

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Nicole Shirilla, a palliative care physician, joins Bioethics on Air to discuss how assisted suicide has affected the medical profession as a whole, and her personally.

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Dr. Joseph Meaney, NCBC President, joins Joe Zalot to clarify the Center’s position on COVID-19 vaccine mandates, distinguish between religious and conscience exemptions, and address the social divisions that mandates have caused.

Note: This podcast was recorded on September 8th, one day before Joe Biden announced the federal vaccine mandate

NCBC COVID-19 vaccine resources: 1. Points to Consider on COVID-19 Vaccines and Abortion Derived Cell Lines https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/vaccinestatementupdated

  1. NCBC Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/vaccinemandatestatement

  2. Vaccine Exemption Template Letter https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/vaccineletter

  3. Vaccine Exemption Resource for Individuals https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/612e4c62b2bd077e0e85438d/1630424162425/NCBCVER.pdf

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Brother Columba Thomas, OP joins Joe Zalot to discuss his new book, The Art of Dying: A New Annotated Translation, published by the NCBC. Br. Columba explains what the Ars moriendi is, the lessons it contains, and why this medieval writing holds great relevance for end-of-life care today.

The Art of Dying: A New Annotated Translation, is available at the NCBC store: https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/3cq8wz6tcf0uz5fib31tq0yv18kb3s

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Dr. David Prentice, Vice President and Research Director at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, joins Joe Zalot to offer a pro-life, scientific perspective on challenging, and controversial, questions concerning COVID-19 vaccines.

https://lozierinstitute.org/

https://www.ncbcenter.org/

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NCBC ethicist John Di Camillo joins Joe Zalot to discuss the Center’s response to institutions––including Catholic institutions––mandating COVID-19 vaccines.

NCBC Vaccination Mandate Resource: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/60e849f0f87ec6517a5a488f/1625836016598/NCBC+Vaccine+Exemption+Resource.pdf

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Dr. David Chen, a Catholic psychiatrist, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the “science” of same-sex attraction, clinical means to address it, and how the Catholic faith can help people live lives of chastity.

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Tom Shakely, Chief Engagement Officer at American United for Life, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the Biden administration’s first 100+ days of abortion politics.

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Tom Shakely, Chief Engagement Officer at American United for Life, discusses Joe Biden’s pre-presidential record on life issues, his (and his administration’s) support of abortion, and the future of Roe vs. Wade.

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In the final part of her interview, Mary Rice Hasson discusses the role of the Catholic Church in combatting gender ideology.

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In part three of her interview, Mary Rice Hasson joins Joe Zalot to explain, and critique, the so-called “Equality Act.”

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In part 2 of her interview, Mary Rice Hasson joins Joe Zalot to explain the origins of gender ideology and how it has become entrenched in Western culture, particularly in our public schools.

Part 2 of 4

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Mary Rice Hasson, Director of the Catholic Women’s Forum at the Ethics Public Policy Center, joins Joe Zalot to explain what gender ideology is and to discuss the center’s “Person and Identity" Project.

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Bobby Schindler joins Joe Zalot to discuss the case of his sister Terri Schiavo, as well as his ongoing work in patient advocacy.

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National Catholic Bioethics Center President Joseph Meaney and Director of Publications Ted Furton join Joe Zalot to talk about NCBC's new book "Transgender Issues in Catholic Health Care."

Find the book here: https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/transgenderissues

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In part two of his interview, Dr. Charlie Camosy addresses assisted suicide, the throwaway culture, and care for the elderly, as well as how these issues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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NCBC President Joseph Meaney and Staff Ethicist John Di Camillo join Joe Zalot to discuss forming conscience with regard to COVID-19 vaccines.

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Dr. Charlie Camosy joins Joe Zalot to discuss his work in the Pro-Life movement and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on New York City.

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NCBC board member Deborah O’Hara-Rusckowski joins Joe Zalot to discuss her work with the Order of Malta, and her efforts to combat human trafficking

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Jim Spencer of Catholic Health (Long Island, NY) joins Joe Zalot to discuss challenges facing Catholic health care in the areas of identity, mission, and ethical integrity.

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Roger Severino, former Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the US Department of Health and Human Services, joins Joe Zalot to discuss his work protecting the rights of conscience and religious liberty. He also speaks to challenges that these core values face in the Biden administration.

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In Part 2 of her interview, Stephanie Gray Connors discusses in depth her new book Start With What: 10 Principles for Thinking About Assisted Suicide. She then looks to the future of the Pro-Life movement both in the United States and in Canada. Stephanie’s website is loveunleasheslife.com.

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Stephanie Gray Connors joins Joe Zalot to talk about her work in the pro-life movement and to begin discussing her new book "Start With What: 10 Principles for Thinking About Assisted Suicide." Stephanie’s website is loveunlesheslife.com.

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Jenny Ingles, Director of Fertility and Life Ministries for the Diocese of Lansing, continues her discussion with Joe Zalot about promoting and implementing Natural Family Planning (NFP).

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Jenny Ingles, Director of Fertility and Life Ministries for the Diocese of Lansing, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the impact of Natural Family Planning (NFP)on her life and faith.

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Michael Vacca of the Christ Medicus Foundation joins Joe Zalot for part 2 of his interview discussing how Americans’ First Amendment protections have been challenged during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Michael Vacca of the Christ Medicus Foundation joins Joe Zalot to discuss how First Amendment religious liberty protections have been challenged during the coronavirus pandemic.

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NCBC President Dr. Joseph Meaney and Director of Publications Dr. Ted Furton join Joe Zalot to discuss health care-related ethical challenges that are likely to arise under the new administration.

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Doctoral candidate Kirsten Dempsey joins Joe Zalot to discuss her journey towards a career in Catholic health care ethics.

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John Brehany, NCBC Director of Institutional Relations, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the CIER program, a tool for bishops to evaluate Catholic health care.

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Dr. John Grabenstein joins Joe Zalot to discuss the Regeneron cocktail that President Donald Trump received as part of his treatment for COVID-19.

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Megan Kreft, a physician assistant from Portland, OR, talks to Joe Zalot about her experiences working for, and being terminated by, Providence Medical Group.

Transfer of Care vs. Referral: A Crucial Moral Distinction: https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources-and-statements-cms/transfer-of-care-vs-referral-a-crucial-moral-distinction

A Catholic Health Care Worker Objected to Contraception. Her Catholic Clinic Fired Her: https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/a-catholic-healthcare-worker-objected-to-contraception-her-catholic-clinic-fired-her

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NCBC President Dr. Joseph Meaney and Staff Ethicist Dr. John Di Camillo join Joe Zalot to discuss ethical challenges concerning COVID-19 vaccines.

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Fr. Tad Pacholczyk and Dr. John Grabenstein join Joe Zalot to discuss the use, or non-use, of aborted fetal cells in the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

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Tracy Winsor joins Joe Zalot to discuss Catholic-based resources for parents who receive a life-limiting diagnosis for their unborn child.

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Shannon Syzek, Catholic Benefits Association (CBA) Director of Human Resources Consultative Services, and Jason Coon, CBA Vice President of the Catholic Insurance Company, join Joe Zalot to discuss important services that CBA offers to Catholic employers.

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Doug Wilson, CEO of the Catholic Benefits Association, joins Joe Zalot to discuss the work of the CBA and the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on religious liberty.

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NCBC President Joseph Meaney joins Joe Zalot to discuss his experience of being denied the sacraments during a recent hospital stay.

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Attorney Eric Kniffin joins Joe Zalot to discuss the US Supreme Court’s Bostock decision, particularly its religious liberty implications.

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In the second of a two-part series on brain death, Dr. Melissa Moschella joins Joe Zalot to discuss how “irreversible loss of organismal self-integration” offers a valid philosophical basis for determining death.

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This podcast is the first of a two-part series on brain death. Matthew Hanley joins Joe Zalot to talk about his book Determining Death by Neurological Criteria: Current Practice and Ethics recently published by the NCBC.

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Ep. 34: USCCB Letter to FDA on Ethical COVID-19 Vaccine Development by National Catholic Bioethics Center

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Ep. 33: COVID-19 and Ethical Challenges to Vaccine Development by National Catholic Bioethics Center

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NCBC President Joseph Meaney and John Brehany, director of institutional relations, answer concerns voiced by Catholic health care professionals. They also describe essential elements of ethical triage protocols—especially when it comes to triage teams and exclusionary criteria—and they discuss whether health care providers can withdraw treatment or place a DNR order without patient consent.

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Elliott Bedford, the director of ethics integration at Ascension Health in Indiana, discusses the role of ethicists and the challenges they face in Catholic health care.

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Jeffrey Burger, MD, and Steven Bozza discuss the moral permissibility of safe infection sites. They evaluate the effectiveness of such sites as part of the treatment continuum for opioid addiction and consider the concept of a safe injection site in light of ethical principles and Catholic social teaching.

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Joseph Meaney, the new president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, describes his perspective on the future challenges facing Catholic bioethics in the United States, as well as how his previous work with Human Life International will inform his approach at the NCBC.

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Becket Gremmels, system director of ethics at Christus Health, in Irving, Texas, discusses the contribution of ethics services to mission of Catholic health care.

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John Brehany, the director of institutional relations at The National Catholic Bioethics Center, continues his discussion on the revisions to part 6 of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), in particular, the emphasis on the term “witness” and what this means for Catholic health care.

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John Brehany, the director of institutional relations at The National Catholic Bioethics Center, discusses the revisions to part 6 of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), which pertains to collaborative relationships between Catholic and non-Catholic institutions.

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John Brehany, the director of institutional relations at The National Catholic Bioethics Center, provides an overview of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs), including their purpose and history and a summary of the document’s six sections.

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Physician assistant Kris Correira returns for the second part of her interview on assisted suicide. In this episode, Ms. Correira explains how the mentality of assisted suicide leads to undertreatment through the misapplication of do-not-resuscitate orders and advance directives, and she discusses the future of assisted suicide in the United States.

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Kris Correira, a physician assistant, in Worchester, Massachusetts, describes why medical professionals are adopting a more positive attitude toward assisted suicide. She explains how this is attributable in part to social factors that promote a mentality of assisted suicide.

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Barry Masa, CEO of LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, explains the role that organ procurement organizations play in ensuring the ethical retrieval and allocation of organs. He also addresses some persistent concerns about organ transplantation in general.

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Tony Aretz, the president of the University of Providence, in Great Falls, Montana, discusses the challenges and unique benefits of implementing Catholic mission formation in health care education.

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Dr. Bennet Omalu, the first physician to observe chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), discusses how faith has influenced his understanding of the ethical implications of traumatic brain.

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Fr. Benedict Guevin examines whether it is permissible to deactivate a pacemaker, which differs from other medical devices in some crucial, ethically relevant aspects.

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Sr. Dolores Liptak, RSM, shares the stories of Catholic Nuns who volunteered as nurses in both the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War.

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Hillary Byrnes, an attorney for the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, provides insight into the controversial HHS Contraception and Sterilization Coverage Mandate as well as the religious liberty concerns with the original mandate and the subsequent accommodation. She also describes the recent exemption granted by the Trump administration.

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Attorney Cameo Anders explains the issues that POLST (physician orders for life-sustaining treatment) is meant to solve and those it raises.

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Attorney Cameo Anders discusses how to properly identify a surrogate and use advance directives like living wills and health care powers of attorney to ensure ethical health care decision making after injury or at the end of life.

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Bioethicist John Di Camillo explains the principle of double effect and illustrations its application through a number of case studies.

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Dr. Mary Shivanandan discusses the profound effect of postmodernism on our understanding of the human person. She then presents an alternative, after-modernism, which is grounded in the personalism of Pope St. John Paul II.

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Ethicist Edward Furton discusses the Catholic response to transgender ideology as well as the clinical challenges associated with transgender patients.

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Ethicist Edward Furton discusses the significance of replacing the diagnosis of gender identity disorder with gender dysphoria, the ideological motivations for this change, and the numerous moral challenges it creates.

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Guest Mary Forr discusses the institutionalized discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and shares ways to promote their dignity and recognize the unique gifts they give to society.

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Dr. Carr J. Smith traces the roots of what he describes as a decline in scientific credibility to the loss of abstract reasoning skills. He then examines the long-term effects of this trend on the scientific community, education, and the culture at large.

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Ethicist Dr. Edward Furton probes of the subtleties of brain death and the difficulties that arise from the linguistic difference between metaphysics and science as well as from dissenting opinions within Catholic philosophy.

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Dr. Gwyneth Spaeder, a pediatrician in Wake Forest, NC, discusses the moral imperative for Catholics to vaccinate themselves and their children.

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Ethicist Dr. John DiCamillo discusses the difference between ordinary and extraordinary care in end-of-life decision making.

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Psychologist Dr. James Beauregard talks about the challenge of defining human dignity and the divergent approaches proposed by Christian and postmodern thinkers.

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Physicist, Dr. Thomas Sheahen, probes the limit of science’s ability to interpret unobservable phenomena like the multiverse, suggesting techniques for reconciling empirical inquiry with qualitative aspects of reality.

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In Bioethics on Air’s second episode about CRISPR gene editing technology, tech entrepreneur Joe Chiarella asks who is guiding these new multi-billion-dollar companies and balancing the goals of researchers and product makers against the best interests of society.

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Hospital CFO Paul Babcock explains why health care economics are not structured to serve either patients or health care employees. He challenges this status quo with the possibility of a more ethical system.

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Geneticist Fr. Nicanor Austriaco discusses the science behind CRISPR gene editing technology and the challenges it presents to ethicists.