The Pro-Life Perspective

di Right to Life of Northeast Indiana

Discerning Questions Part 3: Euthanasia | Abigail Lorenzen and Jordyn Garcia

-- Episode Resources -- Our Website: https://www.ichooselife.org/ Our Stances: https://www.ichooselife.org/our-stances Our Topics: https://www.ichooselife.org/topics Medical Aid in Dying Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktjIffDban8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen is joined by fellow staff member Jordyn Garcia for Part 3 of the “Discerning Questions” series. Together, they apply the framework to euthanasia, distinguishing it from physician-assisted suicide—often called medical aid in dying—and examining both voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. Abigail and Jordyn explore how decisions at the end of life reveal deeper beliefs about human dignity, personal autonomy, suffering, dependence, and the value of people whose health or abilities are declining. Together, Abigail and Jordyn discuss: God’s Authority and Human Control: Asking whether euthanasia seizes authority over life and death that belongs to God alone—and whether comfort, autonomy, or the avoidance of suffering can become an idol. Suffering, Grief, and Care: Examining the desire to bypass suffering and grief, the importance of accompanying people through the end of life, and how caring for vulnerable family members forms compassion and selflessness. The Purpose of Medicine: Considering whether euthanasia is ever medically necessary and why care should seek to relieve suffering without intentionally ending the life of the person who is suffering. -- Discerning Questions Addressed in This Episode -- Sheet: Discerning Questions for Guided Principles Are we seizing power that is God’s alone, or are we acting within the sphere of influence He gave us? Has something become an idol, meaning we think we are dependent on it for our well-being and/or happiness? Whose life, if anyone’s, am I justified in ending? Is the human body property? If so, who is the owner? Is what I’m considering permanent and/or irreversible for the people affected? Is there a financial component to the situation? Who gains financially, and who provides the financing? Is this procedure medically necessary? Are we pursuing a certain solution simply because it is the traditionally accepted way of dealing with a particular problem? What is the original reason for the tradition? Join us for a thoughtful conversation about euthanasia, end-of-life care, human dignity, and what it means to accompany vulnerable people through suffering rather than treating the person as the problem. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

15 set 2026

45:36

Discerning Questions Part 2: Medical Aid in Dying | Abigail Lorenzen and Jordyn Garcia

-- Episode Resources -- Our Website: https://www.ichooselife.org/ Our Stances: https://www.ichooselife.org/our-stances Our Topics: https://www.ichooselife.org/topics ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen is joined by fellow staff member Jordyn Garcia to walk through our "Discerning Questions" framework as applied to end-of-life issues, specifically medical aid in dying (physician-assisted suicide). Designed as an educational tool, this framework helps listeners navigate complex ethical topics, evaluate societal trends, and root their understanding in human dignity and God's sovereign design. Together, Abigail and Jordyn discuss: God’s Design vs. Self-Determination: Examining whether choosing the timing of one's death seizes power that belongs to God alone and how the modern drive for total autonomy function as an idol. The Value & Worth of Every Life: Rejecting utilitarian mindsets that measure human value by productivity or health, and reaffirming that human dignity remains intact through all seasons of life. Crisis, Coercion, & Societal Pressure: How decisions surrounding physician-assisted suicide are made during heavy suffering or mental health crises, and the subtle pressure it creates for vulnerable or dependent individuals. The Purpose of Medicine & Compassion: Clarifying why medical aid in dying is never medically necessary, how it violates the core duties of healthcare, and why true care involves supporting individuals through suffering rather than ending their lives. ──────────────────── -- Discerning Questions Addressed in This Episode -- Sheet: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q... Are we seizing power that is God's alone, or are we acting within the sphere of influence he gave us? Has something become an idol, meaning we think we are dependent on it for our wellbeing and/or happiness? Whose life, if anyone's, am I justified in ending? Who decides each person's worth? Is medical aid in dying what I'm considering permanent and/or irreversible for the people affected? Is this decision being made in the midst of a crisis? If we could save the person, would we, and did we try? Is this procedure medically necessary? Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

2 set 2026

27:14

Navigating the Ethics of Surrogacy and Assisted Reproduction | Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse

Episode Resources Right to Life of Northeast Indiana: https://www.ichooselife.org/ Our Stances: https://www.ichooselife.org/our-stances Our Topics: https://www.ichooselife.org/topics Ruth Institute: https://ruthinstitute.org/ Dr. J Show (Podcast): https://ruthinstitute.org/dr-j-show/ Ruth Institute Substack: https://jenniferrobackmorsephd.substack.com/ Ruth Institute Pamphlet ("Children and Donor Conception"): https://ruthinstitute.org/product/children-and-donor-conception-and-assisted-reproduction/ Shiloh IVF Ministry: http://shilohivf.com/ The National Catholic Bioethics Center: https://www.ncbcenter.org/ My Daddy's Name is Donor (Study): https://fluxconsole.com/files/item/441/56197/My-Daddys-Name-is-Donor-Full-Study.pdf ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen welcomes Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, to examine the ethical, legal, and human costs of surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF). They discuss how artificial reproduction fragments parenthood and commodifies children through commercial contracts, contrasting adult desires with a child's natural right to their biological parents. The conversation also covers consumer eugenics, the emotional toll on donor-conceived youth and siblings of frozen embryos, and the importance of ethical alternatives like restorative reproductive medicine. Abigail and Dr. Morse urge Christians to speak out, protect human dignity, and offer compassionate, truth-filled guidance to families navigating infertility. Key topics covered in the conversation include: Defining Surrogacy & Commercialization: Examining legal differences between traditional and gestational surrogacy and how binding contracts commodify human life. Natural Rights vs. Adult Entitlement: Distinguishing between true natural rights and the misconception that adults are entitled to a child. Consumer Eugenics: Unpacking how IVF and surrogacy contracts encourage selecting, discarding, or aborting children based on health status. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

31 lug 2026

56:17

Overcoming Trauma, Cultic Isolation, and Abortion | Mercy's Story

Episode Resources Website: Right to Life of Northeast Indiana: https://www.ichooselife.org/ Our Stances: https://www.ichooselife.org/our-stances Our Topics: https://www.ichooselife.org/topics Deeper Still Northeast Indiana: https://www.deeperstill.org/ Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/ ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen sits down with guest Mercy for a deeply moving conversation about enduring unimaginable childhood trauma, escaping a controlling religious cult, and discovering redemption and freedom in Christ after two secret abortions. Mercy opens up about her painful journey, offering a transparent look into the psychological impacts of abuse, spiritual manipulation, and post-abortive trauma. Together, Abigail and Mercy explore: The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: How unseen battles often attempt to block stories of healing and truth from being shared. Trauma, Isolation, and Coercion: Mercy's experience growing up in a pastor's home filled with severe abuse, which led to two coerced abortions at a young age under intense family pressure. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: How unresolved childhood trauma and cultic control led to decades of Munchausen syndrome (faking illnesses) as an unconscious cry for care and self-protection. The Path to Recovery: The pivotal role played by post-abortive healing ministries like Deeper Still and recovery programs like Celebrate Recovery in helping Mercy process her grief and surrender her shame. Finding Genuine Faith: Overcoming legalistic, distorted views of God to embrace the true grace, freedom, and unconditional love found in Jesus Christ. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how step-by-step surrender can dismantle decades of lies, break the power of secret shame, and turn even the deepest ashes into lasting beauty. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

24 lug 2026

1:14:28

I Was Conceived Through IVF | Nick the Intern

Episode Resources Website: Right to Life of Northeast Indiana: https://www.ichooselife.org/ Our Stances: https://www.ichooselife.org/our-stances Our Topics: https://www.ichooselife.org/topics Catholic Church IVF Position: https://www.ncregister.com/cna/what-is-the-catholic-church-s-position-on-ivf ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen sits down with former intern Nick for a unique and personal conversation surrounding in vitro fertilization (IVF). Conceived as a triplet through IVF alongside his twin brother and sister, Nick shares his firsthand experience growing up knowing his origin story while navigating his personal Catholic faith and the Church's official stance on reproductive technologies. Abigail and Nick dive into the nuanced tension between recognizing the inherent dignity of every human life and standing against the commodification and ethical concerns inherent in the IVF process. Nick offers deep insights into: The reality of growing up as an IVF-conceived triplet and how his parents approached discussing the topic with him from an early age. Navigating Catholic Church teachings on IVF as an individual conceived through the process, and why human worth is independent of the means of conception. The ethical dilemmas surrounding IVF, including high mortality rates for frozen embryos and pressure on parents regarding "selective reduction." Distinguishing between condemning an unethical system and recognizing the good, loving intentions of parents struggling with infertility. The importance of engaging in hot-button pro-life conversations with both uncompromising truth and genuine Christian charity. How society often narrowly defines parenthood and fruitfulness, ignoring the broader vocations of spiritual fatherhood and motherhood. Join us for an engaging, transparent, and faith-filled discussion that offers a rare personal lens on one of the pro-life movement's most complex topics. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.orgprocess and

20 lug 2026

59:44

Pornography & Substance Addiction | Pastor Brandon Bower

Episode Resources Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/ The Lighthouse: https://www.lhfw.org/ Proven Men Ministries: https://www.provenmen.org/ Faithful & True: https://www.faithfulandtrue.com/ ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Pastor Brandon Bower, a local pastor and licensed addictions counselor specializing in biblical recovery, to tackle two critical issues that often remain unspoken within the church: pornography and substance addiction. Drawing from his own transforming journey through personal brokenness and recovery, Pastor Bower shares his history with vulnerability and humility, showing how God repurposes past struggles to build an impactful recovery ministry. Abigail and Pastor Bower look closely at how modern technology has accelerated access to explicit material while simultaneously exploring the deep, hidden intersections between pornography, substance abuse, and other life-altering chemical dependencies. They dive deep into the cultural trends of the modern era, revealing why traditional addiction treatments often fail if they overlook underlying sexual brokenness and discussing the undeniable connection between broken relationships, addiction, and abortion decisions. Pastor Bower challenges the "don't ask, don't tell" culture surrounding these topics within Christian ministries and offers practical advice on how churches and individuals can step up. He offers deep insights into: The roots of addiction and why standard behavior modification isn't enough for long-term healing. How modern technology has accelerated access to explicit material and amplified dependencies. The hidden intersections between pornography use, substance abuse, and other chemical addictions. Why traditional addiction recovery programs frequently fail if they ignore underlying sexual brokenness. The direct connection between broken relationships, active addictions, and abortion decisions. Differentiating between purely abstaining from a behavior and doing the deep work required to deal directly with the heart and replace dependencies with a love for Christ. Join us for this eye-opening and compassionate conversation about fighting the lies of shame, understanding the biblical roots of recovery, and helping individuals step out of the darkness of isolation and into true wholeness. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

10 lug 2026

58:31

The Ring Makes All the Difference: Why Marriage Matters | Glenn Stanton

-- Episode Resources -- Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/ The Ring Makes All the Difference by Glenn Stanton: https://a.co/d/0h6h8YGg ──────────────────── In this episode of The Pro-Life Perspective, host Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Glenn Stanton, the director of global family formation studies and a family sociologist at Focus on the Family, to explore the critical relationship between the pro-life movement, the institution of marriage, and the cultural trends surrounding family structure. Drawing from decades of data and insights from his book The Ring Makes All the Difference, Glenn shares how his own journey in advocacy began in the pro-life movement before he recognized that the issue of abortion is fundamentally intertwined with family and relationship health. Abigail and Glenn dive deep into the social science surrounding the rapid rise of cohabitation, exposing the myths of the "test-drive" relationship and explaining why marital commitment remains the ultimate protection for men, women, and children. Glenn offers deep insights into: The stark rise of cohabitation among young adults and why social science demonstrates it functions poorly as a testing ground for long-term marital success. The psychological distinction between "sliding" into a relationship out of convenience versus making an intentional, structural decision to commit. How gender differences manifest in cohabiting arrangements, where women frequently view the layout as a track to marriage while men often view it as a casual convenience. The socioeconomic reality of marriage as a wealth-builder, detailing how married couples accumulate significantly more material and emotional security than cohabiting partners. The communal nature of weddings, evaluating why custom vows and destination weddings isolate couples from the accountability of their local community. Practical advice for past cohabitors on how to reset their relationship dynamics and navigate the complex emotional residuals dragged into their new marriage. How the church and local community can step up to provide material support—like offering a couch to sleep on—to help couples transition out of cohabitation before their wedding day. Join us for this compelling, data-driven, and culturally urgent conversation about moving past relationship ambiguity, honoring the natural design of human sexuality, and restoring the sanctity of the family unit. Learn more about our organization here: www.ichooselife.org

3 lug 2026

1:13:16

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The Pro-Life Perspective

Discerning Questions Part 3: Euthanasia | Abigail Lorenzen and Jordyn Garcia

Discerning Questions Part 2: Medical Aid in Dying | Abigail Lorenzen and Jordyn Garcia

Discerning Questions Part 1: Abortion | Abigail Lorenzen and Jordyn Garcia

Choosing Life After Sexual Assault | Genevieve "Nevi" Stroud

What Happens When Technology Replaces the Womb? | Samantha Stephenson

Navigating the Ethics of Surrogacy and Assisted Reproduction | Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse

Overcoming Trauma, Cultic Isolation, and Abortion | Mercy's Story

I Was Conceived Through IVF | Nick the Intern

Pornography & Substance Addiction | Pastor Brandon Bower

The Ring Makes All the Difference: Why Marriage Matters | Glenn Stanton