National Catholic Bioethics Center

Our society faces unprecedented scientific developments that touch upon the mysteries of life and pose serious ethical challenges. The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) was established in 1972 to reflect on these issues and to promote and safeguard the dignity of the human person in health care and the life sciences. All of the NCBC’s work is done in conformity with the official teachings of the Catholic Church, teachings drawn from a moral tradition that acknowledges the unity of faith and reason and builds on the solid foundation of the natural law. The NCBC works to achieve its mission of upholding the dignity of the human person by providing education, guidance, and resources to strengthen the integrity and witness of the Church’s healing ministry.

Learn more at their website: https://www.ncbcenter.org/

The Diocese of Austin is a member organization of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC). Through this membership, we have access to reliable references, explanations and case-based guidance in order to form our consciences with Catholic teaching when making healthcare decisions. The NCBC:
Below are resources available to all parishes in the diocese. 

• The Bioethics Public Policy Report summarizes legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments on life issues at both the state and federal levels to help Catholics stay informed on all these topics and hold their representatives accountable to their values.
• Living a Catholic Life fills a gap in adult catechesis by introducing parishioners to different tools for thinking like a Catholic. These include reflections on the components of the moral act, principles like double effect and totality, and larger concepts like the integrated view of the human person.
• Making Sense of Bioethics, Fr. Tad Pacholczyk’s long-running, syndicated column, answers common questions on topics ranging from ventilator support to helping friends and family through a difficult pregnancy.

NOTE: These resources/inserts can be shared in whatever form is best for the parish.