Center of Bioethics Draft



  
    
      Center for Bioethics
      Franciscan University of Steubenville
      
        
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      Bioethics Matters
      
       As medical science and technology advance, new ethical challenges emerge that test our commitment to the dignity of human life. Medical advances once considered theoretical are now realities, raising important questions about how we apply Catholic moral teaching to modern medicine and biotechnology. 
      

      What defines a human person? When does human life begin? What are the ethical boundaries of medical treatment? How should we understand sex and gender? These questions are at the heart of Catholic bioethics and the work of the Center for Bioethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville.  
      
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      Catholic Bioethics Research
       Pope St. John Paul II called on Catholic universities to contribute to discussions about human life and dignity through “serious and well documented contributions, capable of commanding general respect and interest by reason of their merit” “Evangelium Vitae,” No. 98).
        
            The Center for Bioethics answers this call through scholarly research, publications, and public engagement. Grounded in Catholic moral teaching, our scholars research and address contemporary issues in:
        
        
            Abortion
            Assisted Suicide
            Marriage, Family, and Procreation
            Bioethics and Law
            Surgical Ethics
            Biological Sex and Intersex Conditions
            Thomistic Metaphysics
            Natural Law Theory
            Catholic Health Care Ethics
            Clinical Ethics
        

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      Bioethics Education and Outreach
      
The Center for Bioethics brings Catholic moral teaching into classrooms and public discussions through educational events, guest lectures, and professional resources. These opportunities help students, educators, and the broader community engage with contemporary issues in bioethics.       

Our educational outreach includes: 
      
      
            Speaking Events: Presentations and discussions featuring respected bioethics scholars and experts.
            Guest Lectures: Lectures for university classes and student groups on relevant bioethical issues, offered on a case-by-case basis.
            Professional Resources: Connections to Catholic bioethicists, professional organizations, and additional educational resources.
        
        
           Interested in collaborating with the Center? Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.  
        
    
  

  
    
  








  

    
    
      

        Earn Your MA in Philosophy with a Bioethics Concentration

        
          Deepen your understanding of the ethical questions surrounding
          medicine, science, and human dignity through the Master of Arts
          in Philosophy program at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
        

        
          With a concentration in bioethics, you'll study Catholic moral
          philosophy, clinical ethics, health care law, and contemporary
          issues involving the beginning and end of human life. Through
          12 credit hours of specialized coursework, you'll develop the
          philosophical knowledge and ethical reasoning skills to address
          contemporary bioethical challenges.
        

        
        
          Bioethics Courses Include

          
           
    Foundations of Bioethics (3 Credits)
    Bioethics: Clinical Issues (3 Credits)
    Ethics of Health Care Law and Social Policy (3 Credits)
    Clinical Practicum (3 Credits)
    Special Topics in Bioethics (3 Credits)

          
        

      
    

    
    
      
      
    

  






  
    
      
        

          
          
            
              
                
              

              
                
                  
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                        My experience has given me valuable exposure to organizations and institutions shaping the direction of America today. This is a wonderful opportunity to show faithful Catholics they can positively impact D.C. and propel them into various fields with the mission to, as Ezekiel 33 says, be ‘Watchmen for the Lord!
                      

                      
                       - Ryan Mattingly Dy-Liacco ‘27   
                      

                      
                        Political Science BA  
                      
                    
                  
                
              
            
          

          


          

        
      

      

    
  




  
    Leadership
    
    
      
        
          
        
      
      
        DR. PATRICK LEE
        Director of the Center for Bioethics 

        Professor of Philosophy
        
       Dr. Patrick Lee is the John N. and Jamie D. McAleer Professor of Philosophy and Bioethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. A nationally recognized author and speaker, he specializes in contemporary ethical issues, particularly marriage and the dignity and value of human life. 
        
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        DR. RASHAD REHMAN
        Associate Director
        Professor of Philosophy
        
         Dr. Rashad Rehman's research focuses on contemporary bioethical questions surrounding sex and gender, with particular emphasis on intersex conditions and surgical ethics. As associate director of the Center for Bioethics, he contributes scholarly expertise to discussions about human dignity and medical ethics. 
        
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                Support the Center for Bioethics
                Help advance Catholic bioethics research and education at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Your gift supports the Center's mission to address today's complex ethical questions and uphold the dignity of every human person. 
                Questions?
                Contact us at [email protected]
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