Living a Culture of Life Podcast | Human Life International

In this episode, Dr. Brian Clowes joins us to discuss key principles regarding end-of-life care. He discusses the Church’s guidelines, talks about the morality of certain types of drugs, and tells listeners how to protect themselves legally from euthanasia-minded “medical care.” Resources: Ethics of pain management: https://www.hli.org/resources/ethics-of-pain-management/ Ordinary vs. extraordinary means of care: https://www.hli.org/resources/ordinary-and-extraordinary-means/ Catholic advance directives: https://www.hli.org/resources/catholic-advance-directive/

The effects of Canada’s liberal euthanasia laws show clearly, as veterans are offered death as a solution to PTSD and hospitals coerce their patients to choose euthanasia. Fr. Boquet addresses these issues and offers advice about fostering a community that cares for the sick and disabled. In such a community, euthanasia is unthinkable. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/canada-set-to-liberalize-euthanasia-law/ Roger Foley case: https://nationalpost.com/news/experts-see-canadas-euthanasia-laws-as-threat-to-disabled Canadian veteran case: https://globalnews.ca/news/9061709/veteran-medical-assisted-death-canada/ Living the Culture of Life

As Election Day approaches, Father Boquet answers the recurring question: do Catholics have a moral obligation to vote? He then explains what principles Catholics must consider when choosing a candidate. Father Boquet also highlights some important issues on ballots this year, which all pro-lifers should be particularly aware of. For instance, Michigan, California, Vermont, Montana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Kansas all have critical elections, which will affect pro-life issues. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/10/abortion-is-a-preeminent-issue-in-midterm-elections/ EWTN guidance: https://www.ewtn.com/img/catholicism/downloads/moral-guide-to-voting.pdf Priests for Life guidance: https://www.priestsforlife.org/elections/voterguide.aspx USCCB on Faithful Citizenship: https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/upload/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.pdf

Proposed new Title IX rules redefine “sex discrimination” to include sexual orientation and gender identity. This change would contradict Title IX’s original intent—protecting women from discrimination—by refusing to define woman or sex. In this part 2 episode, Father Boquet discusses how these new regulations are another example of the current administration’s attempt to utilize legal loopholes to push their anti-life and anti-family agenda on the American states. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/09/new-title-ix-rules-threaten-human-rights/ Living the Culture of Life

As the midterms approach, the Senate prepares to vote on Congress’s Respect for Marriage Act, which would recognize LGBTQ unions as legal “marriages” in federal law. Father Boquet discusses the dangers that this bill poses, as the current federal administration forces their agenda onto all of the U.S. states. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/09/senate-to-vote-on-same-sex-marriage/

During medical school, Dr. John Bruchalski learned how to perform abortions. After an incredible conversion, he turned to life-affirming medicine. He is now a pro-life OB/GYN. On this podcast Dr. Bruchalski talks about his conversion and discusses why abortion is never necessary to save a mother’s life. Dr. Bruchalski founded Tepeyac OB/GYN in Fairfax, Virginia, which provides care for women from all walks of life, as well as Divine Mercy Care, which raises funds for Tepeyac and inspires pro-life medical students. Dr. Bruchalski’s book “Two Patients”: https://twopatients.com/ HLI Resources article: https://www.hli.org/resources/abortion-to-save-life-of-mother/ NCBC Guidance: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/6303d466a8e665346d8a0069/1661195367913/E%26MAugust22%28correx%29FINAL.pdf Living the Culture of Life

Pro-life leader Mark Houck’s recent arrest by the FBI is a shocking example of the double standard currently enacted by the federal government. While attacks on pregnancy centers and churches are ignored, government agencies seek to silence and suppress pro-lifers. So, how should pro-lifers react? In this episode, Father Boquet discusses Mark Houck’s arrest and offers advice about the best methods for protecting yourself from these situations. Spirit and Life: https://www.hli.org/2022/10/a-political-persecution-of-pro-lifers/

With Roe now gone, the question Catholics and pro-lifers face is how to reverse the ingrained anti-life trends in our society’s schools, businesses, and communities. Father Shenan Boquet uses principles of Catholic Social Doctrine, specifically solidarity and subsidiarity, to offer a course of action to repair and restore a culture of life. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/07/redirecting-our-cultures-priorities/

Recently, two separate clinics came under fire for performing life-altering surgeries on minors. Fr. Boquet addresses these events and offers advice on charitably approaching people who struggle with gender dysphoria. Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/backlash-against-two-centers-of-gender-ideology/ National Catholic Bioethics Center article: https://www.ncbcenter.org/resources-and-statements-cms/summary-catholic-pastoral-and-canonical-responses-to-transgenderism

A recent lawsuit filed against Pornhub and Visa by Serena Fleites reveals one disturbing side of the porn industry. Fr. Boquet discusses this lawsuit and offers advice on how to confront these alarming trends in entertainment. Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/lawsuit-sheds-light-on-dehumanizing-porn-industry/

Throughout the Western world today, perverse sexual education is entrenched in public and private school systems, making it extremely difficult for parents to navigate a way to share the wholesome truth with their children while protecting them from hedonistic ideologies. Father Shenan Boquet discusses the Church’s advice for protecting children and keeping them safe from the rampant negative influences permeating our culture and schools. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/06/practical-tools-for-teaching-healthy-sexuality/ Previous YouTube episode: https://www.hli.org/podcast/floridas-new-sex-ed-bill-why-you-need-one-in-your-state/ PCF document: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html

This year, Kansas attempted to pass a pro-life amendment to their state constitution. Thousands of pro-life Kansans did amazing work promoting it through the "Value them Both" campaign. But the amendment, titled “Let Them Live,” failed to pass, because of a surprisingly low popular vote. Using feedback from voters in Kansas, Father Boquet discusses what we can learn from this setback. We break down the tactics the abortion movement used, and how pro-lifers can beat them in upcoming state-level battles. Spirit and Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/08/great-disappointment-in-kansas-vote/

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, there has been a resurgence of an old tagline about abortion as a “health care” intervention necessary to “save lives.” Father Shenan Boquet explains the origins of this myth and why it has been so pervasive—as well as why it's wrong. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/07/we-dont-need-abortion-to-save-moms-life/ More resources: - Should We Support Abortion to Preserve a Woman's Physical Health?: https://www.hli.org/resources/support-abortion-preserve-womans-physical-health/ - What Percentage of Abortions Are Medically Necessary?: https://www.hli.org/resources/what-percentage-of-abortions-are-medically-necessary/ - Ethical and Religious Directives: https://www.usccb.org/resources/ethical-religious-directives-catholic-health-service-sixth-edition-2016-06_3.pdf - Catholic Health Care Ethics: A Manual for Practitioners: https://www.ncbcenter.org/store/new-catholic-health-care-ethics-a-manual-for-practitioners-3rd-ed

In this episode of the Living a Culture of Life podcast, HLI’s Rome-based European Director, Father Francesco Giordano, weaves together Saint Joseph, rich theological discussion, and the fight to defend life and family. Learn about the influence of this great saint, patron of the universal Church and of fatherhood.

In recent public comments, Pope Francis lamented the “demographic winter” we are experiencing with record-low birth rates in many countries, instead encouraging “generational sustainability” by courageous giving of life. Father Shenan Boquet explains the significance of the Pope’s promotion of marriage and the gift of life in the context of God’s plan for the human family and the wonderfully fruitful unity of man and woman. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/05/creatively-healing-the-demographic-winter/ Previous articles by Fr Boquet: - Birth Rates Are Plummeting in China and the US: https://www.hli.org/2021/06/birth-rates-are-plummeting-in-china-and-the-u-s/ - The Cure for "Jaw-Dropping" Population Decline: https://www.hli.org/2020/08/population-decline/ Population control resources: - Population control resource collection: https://www.hli.org/population-control-facts/#population-control - The Intrinsic Racism of the Population Control Movement: https://www.hli.org/resources/the-intrinsic-racism-of-the-population-control-movement/ - Exposing the Global Population Control Agenda: https://www.hli.org/resources/exposing-the-global-population-control/ - National Security Study Memorandum 200, Blueprint for World Depopulation: https://www.hli.org/resources/nssm-200/

Recent years in the Church have seen laity, priests, and even high-ranking prelates more and more open to voicing heretical opinions at odds with Church teaching. Father Shenan Boquet offers the long-suffering faithful guidance on how to evade such errors and do their best to combat them in charity and humility. Catechism of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM Catechism of St. Pius X: http://www.catechism.cc/catechisms/Catechism_of_Pope_Saint_Pius_X.pdf Baltimore Catechism No. 4: https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/14554/pg14554-images.html Catechism of the Council of Trent (The Roman Catechism): https://www.catholicsociety.com/documents/Catechism_of_the_Council%20of_Trent.pdf 1983 Code of Canon Law: https://www.vatican.va/archive/cod-iuris-canonici/cic_index_en.html Note: The catechisms above present the teaching of the Church, which does not change. However, the 1983 Code of Canon Law presents the current legal system of the Church. Since ecclesiastical law can and does change, prior codes are not in force.

Modern society is based on a set of assumptions about the human person that are incompatible with Christianity; utilitarian output is valued in a world where every individual fends for himself. Father Shenan Boquet explodes the false suppositions of the post-Christian culture and reaffirms the truth of the human person in the Catholic view of what we should be: a civilization of love and a culture of life. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2020/10/christian-vision-of-society-civilization-of-love/

In this episode of the Living a Culture of Life podcast, Adriana Thurdekoos, based in HLI’s Miami office, discusses her experience counseling women away from abortion. She explains her strategies and approach so that you can learn from her expertise. Article on fetal development: https://www.hli.org/resources/miracle-fetal-development/ Article on fetal pain: https://www.hli.org/resources/fetal-pain-reason-end-abortion/ Article on risks of abortion: https://www.hli.org/resources/risks-of-abortion/

The overturning of Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision is already having a tremendous impact in the United States—and around the world. From HLI’s vantage point as an international pro-life network, Father Shenan Boquet explains the extraordinary geopolitical and historical significance of the momentous decision—and the work we have left to do around the world. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/07/roes-reversal-is-ringing-worldwide/ Previous Dobbs episodes: ➡️ Dobbs Leak: https://rumble.com/v15az7e-what-you-should-expect-after-the-leaked-scotus-abortion-ruling.html ➡️ Prospects in Light of the Leak: https://rumble.com/v16bjsf-how-to-promote-life-if-roe-v.-wade-gets-overruled.html ➡️ Pro-Abortion Violence: https://rumble.com/v1aka7h-pro-abortion-agitation-leading-up-to-the-dobbs-decision.html ➡️ What’s Next?: https://rumble.com/v1bfuj9-celebration-and-expectations-after-the-dobbs-decision.html Previous episode about free speech (Päivi Räsänen): https://rumble.com/vx1n65-religious-liberty-at-stake-in-two-key-international-cases.html

With the official release of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health, Roe v. Wade has finally been overturned. Father Shenan Boquet helps us to celebrate this victory, as well as to prepare for the further work and challenges that lie ahead. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/06/rejoice-and-work-in-the-post-roe-present/

In the weeks leading up to the release of the Supreme Court’s decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, various pro-abortion groups have been using inflammatory rhetoric, making threats, and in some cases committing vandalism, arson, and other violations of Catholic and pro-life property. Father Shenan Boquet discusses why the pro-abortion side feels it must respond this way and how to persevere in the face of frightening opposition. NOTE: this episode was filmed before the release of Dobbs. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/06/be-courageous-in-the-face-of-violence/ Previous episodes on the Dobbs leak: -What You Should Expect after the Leaked SCOTUS Abortion Ruling: https://rumble.com/v15az7e-what-you-should-expect-after-the-leaked-scotus-abortion-ruling.html - How to Promote Life if Roe v. Wade Gets Overruled: https://rumble.com/v16bjsf-how-to-promote-life-if-roe-v.-wade-gets-overruled.html

Recent violent shootings in Uvalde, Texas, Buffalo, New York, and elsewhere have once again left Americans reeling and perplexed about the horrifying episodes they have witnessed. Father Shenan Boquet sensitively and incisively cuts through to the heart of the matter, discussing how moral relativism, fatherlessness, and other ills of our society contribute to such tragedies. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/06/restore-fatherhood-to-end-school-violence/

Ever-decreasing birthrates around the world, and especially in Western and developed countries, match up with depressing poll results on couples’ desires and intentions to have children. Father Shenan Boquet discusses what is ailing our culture, why fewer and fewer people want children, and how, despite this, children are an immense source of meaning in the world. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2021/11/children-and-the-meaningful-life/

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco recently announced that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is not to be given Holy Communion until she publicly recants of her positions that oppose Church teaching, specifically regarding abortion. Father Shenan Boquet discusses what preceded this rare step, why it is important, and what the principles surrounding this decision are, especially in the context of public Catholic figures who oppose Church teaching. Spirit & Life article: https://www.hli.org/2022/05/correcting-pelosi-with-truth-and-charity/

In part two of our series on contraception, Father Shenan Boquet shifts the conversation to Catholics who don’t agree with the Church’s perennial teaching. Some disagree knowingly, while many are simply ignorant or confused. In a contraception-soaked culture, Father Boquet shows how only the Catholic teaching can preserve marriages and lead to fruitful, happy, and holy marital love. Part One: https://rumble.com/v12tew4-how-to-talk-about-contraception-with-contracepting-christians.html Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html