Our Pledge

The National Catholic Bioethics Center believes the Catholic reverence for human life can help shape societal attitudes and public policy for the benefit of all, particularly for those who are weak and vulnerable.

The Center pledges its service to clergy, religious, and laity, especially those in the health care professions, as they face daily ethical challenges in the care and treatment of patients. In light of the convergence of civil law and scientific advancement, the Center also seeks to reach those who influence law and public policy. Indeed, the Center’s mission transcends religious boundaries in its application of ethical reflection consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Magisterium to society-at-large as we grapple with the complex issues posed by the rapid developments in medicine, science, and biotechnology.

The Center also pledges its fidelity to the magisterial teaching of the Church and to the bishops who provide leadership and pastoral guidance to clergy and laity on complex bioethical issues. The Center seeks to facilitate the critical partnership between dioceses and health care institutions in fulfilling their mutual commitment in service to the human person.

“What is it that is about to be created, that enjoys such honor? It is man—that great and wonderful living creature, more precious in the eyes of God than all other creatures! For him the heavens and the earth, the sea and all the rest of creation exist. God attached so much importance to his salvation that He did not spare his own Son for the sake of man. Nor does He ever cease to work, trying every possible means, until He has raised man up to himself and made him sit at his right hand.”

— St. John Chrysostom