Amid her suffering, Sister Joaquína recounted the most memorable birth stories of her ministry.
Health Care
Catholic bioethicists: Lack of agreement about brain death imperils patients, organ donations
Catholic bioethicists are sounding the alarm about a critical lack of agreement on what constitutes brain death; and the implications for organ donation are “profound,” they said.
Court allows Idaho to temporarily ban some hormones, surgeries for transgender minors
The Supreme Court temporarily allowed Idaho April 15 to enforce a ban on certain types of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for minors who identify as transgender.
Archdiocese of Baltimore launches next phase of Mental Health Ministry with upcoming retreat
The next phase of the campaign launches May 15 with the St. Dymphna Mental Wellness Retreat, an opportunity to learn more about mental health, connect with others and build the foundation for parish ministries focused on mental health.
‘Blessed by Cancer’ social media evangelist, mother of 4 dies leaving powerful witness
Through the ups and downs of her illness, the Catholic wife and mother of four shared her story with her nearly 50,000 followers on social media using the powerful handle blessed_by_cancer.
Report: Children ‘let down’ by a lack of research on use of puberty blockers
A landmark report published April 10 in the United Kingdom said children had been “let down” by a lack of research on the use of puberty blockers.
Capitol Hill prayer service ties together mental health and faith
In the nation’s capital — where stress, anxiety and mental health challenges sometimes impact the lives and work of those in government service, in legal and other professions, and individuals and families — St. Joseph Church on Capitol Hill hosted a “Come as You Are” Holy Week Prayer Service for Mental Health March 26.
England’s halt of routine puberty blockers ‘important news,’ say two U.S. experts
England’s decision to halt routine prescriptions of puberty blockers following a review is “absolutely very important news” — and shows that research is a “game-changer” in the debate over gender transitioning for children, two U.S.-based experts told OSV News.
Medical advances must be at service of those most in need, pope says
Cutting-edge science and medical research cannot benefit only the privileged few but must be placed at the service of those most in need, Pope Francis said.
Department of Veterans Affairs finalizes abortion policy deplored by U.S. military archbishop
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs finalized March 6 its interim policy permitting abortion at VA hospitals and clinics when there is risk to the mother’s life or in cases of rape or incest.
CHA says article ‘perpetuates myth’ Catholic hospitals’ pro-life stance ‘contrains’ care for women
The head of the Catholic Health Association of the United States called it “extremely disappointing” that a USA Today article published Feb. 17 “suggested that Catholic health care’s long-standing commitment to providing care that recognizes the sacredness of each individual — from conception to natural death — somehow constrains care.”
Social workers, counselor discuss effects of COVID, social media on teen mental health
Catholic high school social workers and a Catholic licensed mental health counselor shared their insights about teens and mental health.