Bioethics on Air

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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/.

National Catholic Bioethics Center


    • May 7, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 121 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Bioethics on Air podcast is a refreshing and indispensable resource in a world that is constantly bombarded with fast-flowing information. In an era where misinformation and ignorance run rampant, it is crucial to have access to a truthful and powerful value-based outlook on bioethics. This podcast excels in providing just that.

    One of the best aspects of the Bioethics on Air podcast is the pertinence of the questions asked. The host and guests delve into topics that are directly relevant to emerging research in the field of bioethics. This ensures that listeners are kept up to date on the latest advancements and can engage in meaningful discussions surrounding these issues. Additionally, the guests featured on the show possess impressive knowledge in their respective fields, making for insightful and thought-provoking conversations.

    Another notable aspect of this podcast is Fr. Austriaco's talk on CRISPR. CRISPR is a groundbreaking gene-editing technology that has immense implications for bioethics, and having an expert like Fr. Austriaco discuss its ethical considerations provides valuable insights for listeners. This episode highlights the ability of Bioethics on Air to tackle complex and controversial topics with nuance and depth.

    However, no podcast is without its flaws, and the Bioethics on Air podcast does have some areas that could be improved upon. One potential weakness is a lack of diversity among guests. While it's commendable that knowledgeable experts are featured on the show, it would be beneficial to include voices from a wider range of perspectives to ensure a more comprehensive examination of bioethical issues.

    In conclusion, The Bioethics on Air podcast stands out as an exceptional resource for those seeking honest and informed discussions regarding bioethical matters. Its commitment to addressing pertinent questions and featuring knowledgeable guests makes it an invaluable tool in navigating our increasingly complex world of bioethics. While room for improvement exists, this podcast undoubtedly deserves recognition for its informative and thought-provoking content.



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    Latest episodes from Bioethics on Air

    Ep. 121: Public Policy Challenges and Catholic Health Care – Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2024 45:15


    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. Resources 1. 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

    Ep. 120: Dead Enough is Good Enough: Update on Brain Death and NRP

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 73:46


    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). Resources 1. 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-udda 3. 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-perfusion 4. Uniform Determination of Death Act – https://lchc.ucsd.edu/cogn_150/Readings/death_act.pdf 5. AAN 2023 DNC Practice Guidelines - https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000207740

    Ep. 119: Update on UDDA Revisions … and Concerns with Normothermic Regional Perfusion

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 67:48


    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

    Ep. 118: ‘State of the Union' on Biomedical Research

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2023 64:14


    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

    Ep. 117: Investigating Miraculous Healings at Lourdes ... and a Pilgrimage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 54:08


    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

    Ep. 116: Become an NCBC Fellow or Intern

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 39:42


    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.

    Ep. 115: Ethics Consults and the NCBC's New Personal Consultations Department

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 33:01


    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.

    Ep. 114: Countering the Abortion Narrative – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 34:24


    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

    Ep. 113 - Countering the Abortion Narrative – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 42:11


    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

    Ep. 112: Chemical Abortion and the Courts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 50:25


    Attorney and law professor Elizabeth Kirk joins Joe Zalot to discuss recent (April 2023) federal court cases dealing with the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. Resources 1. Elizabeth Kirk brief bio – m https://www.law.edu/about-us/faculty-and-staff/directory/expert-faculty/kirk-elizabeth/index.html 2. Alliance Defending Freedom case page – https://adflegal.org/article/clinton-era-fda-action-keeps-women-danger 3. 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.pdf 4. 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-abortion If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider making a donation to the NCBC at https://www.ncbcenter.org/donate

    Ep. 111: Fighting for Conscience and Religious Liberty at CVS

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2023 51:04


    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. Resources 1. 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.pdf 4. 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

    Ep. 110: Digesting the Doctrinal Note on Gender

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 59:42


    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. Resources 1. 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.pdf 2. NCBC, “Brief Statement on Transgenderism” (2017) – https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/5eb96ca6784e2246467b42b1/1589210278798/Q16.4_05_TransgenderStatement_REV.pdf 3. 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.”

    Ep. 109: Redefining Death by Revising the UDDA

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 56:28


    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. Resources 1. 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%3D 3. Uniform Law Commission - https://www.uniformlaws.org/home

    Ep. 108: Celebrating 50 Years of the NCBC

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2023 43:28


    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

    Ep. 107: Changing the Messaging and Mechanisms of Plan B – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 55:30


    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. Resources 1. Dr. John Brehany brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johnbrehany 2. 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-information 3. 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

    Ep. 106: Changing the Messaging and Mechanisms of Plan B – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 45:23


    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. Resources 1. Dr. John Brehany brief bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/johnbrehany 2. 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-information 3. FDA, Decisional Memorandum on Plan B – https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021998Orig1s005SumR.pdf 4. 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

    Ep. 105: Preserving Catholic Identity and Ethics in Employee Health Plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 54:46


    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. Resources 1. The Matthias Group, LLC – https://matthiasgrp.com/. Contact info: smedley@matthiasgrp.com or 844-628-8477 2. “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

    Ep. 104: Bearing the Cross of Infertility

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 54:08


    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

    Ep. 103: The Bishop and Catholic Health Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 59:02


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

    Ep. 102: The Politics of Abortion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 50:57


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

    Ep. 101: Faith in the Pharmacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 50:11


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

    Ep. 100: Announcing a Faithfully Catholic Medical School

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 55:10


    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

    Ep. 99: Digesting the Dobbs Decision

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2022 64:52


    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

    Ep. 98: Pro-Life Advocacy Post-Dobbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 69:03


    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

    Ep. 97: Navigating Ethical Landmines in Nurse Education – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 60:41


    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

    Ep. 96: Navigating Ethical Landmines in Nurse Education – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 51:32


    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

    Ep. 95: Recommendations for Reforming the US Health Care Sector

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2022 47:37


    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

    Ep. 94: Federal Intrusion in the US Health Care Sector and Why It's Not Working

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 44:11


    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/

    Ep. 93: Tucker Carlson, Euthanasia, and Medical Education

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2022 39:35


    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)

    Ep. 92: The Dobbs Leak

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2022 45:40


    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.

    Ep. 91: ACOG's Orwellian Language on Abortion – Part Two

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2022 33:14


    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 2. Live Action video (animated) of the dilation and evacuation (D&E) abortion procedure – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgw4X7Dw_3k&ab_channel=LiveAction 3. https://mycatholicdoctor.com/

    Ep. 90: ACOG's Orwellian Language on Abortion – Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 40:06


    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”

    Ep. 89: Introducing the Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2022 60:18


    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

    Ep. 88: Referral, Transfer of Care, and Conscience Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 65:11


    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.

    Ep. 87: The Common Good and COVID-19 Vaccines

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2022 31:11


    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.

    Ep. 86: Forming Conscience on COVID-19 Vaccines – An Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 54:11


    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.

    Ep. 85: Formed in Faith … in Life and Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 50:04


    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.

    Ep. 84: Project Rachel Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2022 51:23


    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

    Ep. 83: Live Action on Pro-Life Legislation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 67:55


    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.

    Ep. 82 - Vaccine Mandates – Objection, Exemption, and Termination

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 32:29


    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.

    Ep. 81 : Legal Perspectives on the Federal Vaccine Mandate

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2021 49:45


    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.

    Ep. 80: Straight Talk on Science and Dobbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2021 60:51


    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/

    Ep. 79: A Primer on Dobbs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 70:02


    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

    Ep. 78: Critical Dialogue on Vaccine Mandates – Public Health, Common Good, and Prophetic Witness

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 67:59


    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

    Ep. 77: Critical Dialogue on Vaccine Mandates - (mis)Informed Conscience

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 55:55


    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

    Ep. 76: Critical Dialogue on Vaccine Mandates

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 59:20


    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

    Ep. 75: Straight Talk on Chemical Abortion

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 71:43


    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

    Ep. 74: Assisted Suicide and the Practice of Medicine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 62:23


    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.

    Ep. 73: The NCBC on Vaccine Mandates

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2021 49:45


    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 2. NCBC Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/vaccinemandatestatement 3. Vaccine Exemption Template Letter https://www.ncbcenter.org/ncbc-news/vaccineletter 4. Vaccine Exemption Resource for Individuals https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/612e4c62b2bd077e0e85438d/1630424162425/NCBCVER.pdf

    Ep. 72: Reclaiming the Ars moriendi (“Art of Dying”)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 50:48


    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

    Ep. 71: Straight Talk on COVID-19 Vaccines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 83:22


    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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