Bioethics On Air

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. Resources 1. Joseph Meaney bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/joseph-meaney-phd 2. “The Ethics of Abortion Statistics” – https://www.ncbcenter.org/messages-from-presidents/abortionstats 3. 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.scotu

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. Resources 1. 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-allianc

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 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. Resources 1. 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.html 4. 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/epis

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. Resources 1. Andrew Kubick bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/andrewkubick Religious Freedom Institute – https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/ 2. Transplanting the Womb: A Catholic Bioethical Analysis – https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/transplanting-the-womb-a-catholic-bioethical-analysis 3. “Are Womb Transplants Immoral?” Fr. Tad Pacholczyk – https://www.ncbcenter.org/making-sense-of-bioethics-cms/114-are-womb-transplants-immoral 4. “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-p

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. Resources 1. Andrew Kubick bio – https://www.ncbcenter.org/meet-the-ethicists/andrewkubick 2. 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-analysis Book 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

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. Resources 1. 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

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

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. Resources 1. 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

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. Resources 1. 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-courts 3. “The WPATH Files” – https://environmentalprogress.org/big-news/wpath-files 4. 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, “

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

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 - h

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

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

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 htt

In part 2 of his interview, John Di Camillo explains the rationale and purpose for the NCBC Consultations Department’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.

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 Consul

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

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

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

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