The OBservations Podcast

American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG)
  • 4.9 (30)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

An Open Conversation About Women's Health

  1. 5d ago

    The Cost of Speaking Up: An OB-GYN's Story of Courage

    What happens when a respected physician publicly shares a pro-life conviction?  In this episode of OBservations, host and AAPLOG Chair Dr. Susan Bane sits down with Dr. Hector Chapa to discuss his journey to becoming an OB-GYN, his rise to leadership within the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the moment he realized he could no longer stay silent.  After years of professional success, including a thriving medical podcast and leadership roles within his field, Dr. Chapa posted three simple words: “Fetal Lives Matter.”  The response was immediate.  Dr. Chapa shares the backlash he faced, why he chose to speak out despite the risks, and how AAPLOG provided support during a difficult season. He and Dr. Bane also discuss the importance of modeling courage for the next generation of physicians and medical professionals.  This compelling conversation is an encouragement to physicians, students, healthcare professionals, and anyone who wants to stand firm in their convictions with both courage and compassion.  About Dr. Chapa  Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB-GYN, Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Clerkship Director for OB-GYN at the Texas A&M University School of Medicine. He is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker and published author in obstetrics and gynecology.  Dr. Chapa has conducted research on minimally invasive gynecologic procedures and has authored more than 40 clinical articles, case reports, and medical commentaries covering both obstetric and gynecologic topics. His research interests also include therapies for abnormal uterine bleeding, postpartum sentinel events, and women's sexual health.    Resources:   Mark your calendars MBEC 2027 and explore!  Listen to Dr. Chapa’s OBGYN No Spin Podcast Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  2. Jul 2

    Clearing the Confusion: Do Pro-Life Laws STOP Miscarriage & Ectopic Pregnancy Care? 

    In this special episode of OBservations, Dr. Christina Francis steps out of the interviewer’s seat and into the hot seat as she’s interviewed by her friend and fellow pro-life advocate, Monica Snyder, Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life.  Monica and Dr. Francis tackle a growing trend in media coverage: the conflation of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy treatment with induced abortion. Together, they examine how these narratives shape public understanding of pro-life laws and discuss the real-world consequences of medical misinformation.   Dr. Francis explains the medical realities of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy treatment, what pro-life laws actually say, and why clear, accurate communication is essential for both patients and providers.  The conversation moves into the recent experience of Rep. Kat Cammack, whose ectopic pregnancy treatment was reportedly delayed after healthcare providers were influenced by false claims about legal restrictions on care. They also talk about a miscarriage story out of Arkansas. Dr. Francis explains the medical realities of ectopic pregnancy treatment, what pro-life laws actually say, and why clear, accurate communication is essential for both patients and providers.  Monica brings her unique perspective as a pro-life atheist and longtime advocate who specializes in countering misinformation and helping people engage in productive conversations across ideological divides.  Join us for an honest discussion about medical facts, media narratives, and the importance of getting the science and the law right.  Resources:   Learn more about Secular Pro-Life AAPLOG’s Ectopic Pregnancy Guideline AAPLOG’s Concluding Pregnancy Ethically Guideline ProPublica Article on Emily Wardof’s miscarriage.  Secular Pro-Life's take on Pro-Publica's article.  Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  3. Jun 26

    The Surprising Truth About Abortion and Mental Health Evidence, ft. Dr. Aaron Kheriaty 

    Most medical schools today are quietly, and sometimes openly, censoring pro-life voices and shaping future doctors with a biased narrative. Dr. Aaron Kheriarty, a psychiatrist and renowned ethicist, exposes how ideology is increasingly replacing merit in medical admissions, and why the silence around abortion’s mental health impact is costing women long-term harm.  In this eye-opening episode with Dr. Christina Francis and Dr. Kheriarty, you'll discover the hidden biases shaping medical education—how pro-abortion advocacy often skews the narrative, and why so many physicians are unaware of the true mental health risks associated with abortion. Dr. Kheriarty also shares detailed insights from his research, revealing that for many women, the mental health consequences of abortion can surface decades later, often in ways they least expect.   They also break down how the flawed “turnaway study” and other research distort the picture, emphasizing the critical need for physicians and lawmakers to understand the real risks involved. If you're a medical professional, student, or advocate committed to the truth, this episode is essential listening. Why does this matter? Because ignoring the mental health toll of abortion is a disservice to women, long-term.   Join us for a candid, evidence-based discussion, coming from MBEC 2026!   Aaron Kheriaty, MD, is a physician specializing in psychiatry and author of five books, including most recently, Making the Cut: How to Heal Modern Medicine (2025). He is a Fellow & Director of the Program in Bioethics, Technology, and Human Flourishing at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. He also serves in consulting and advisory roles at the Brownstone Institute, the Zephyr Institute, the Paul Ramsey Institute, and the Simone Weil Center for Political Philosophy.    Resources:   Mark your calendars for MBEC 2027!  Learn more about Dr. Aaron Kheriaty.  Order his new book, Making the Cut: How to Heal Modern Medicine. Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  4. Jun 22

    Doctor Breaks Down Jesse Ridgway’s Justification for Aborting a Child with Down Syndrome

    This week’s episode is a rapid response to the troubling story that quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter). YouTuber and social media influencer Jesse Ridgeway publicly shared that he and his wife aborted their child, who had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, at approximately 21 weeks. He went on to defend the decision in a lengthy, detailed post, one that sparked significant backlash, particularly from those within the pro-life movement.  As life-affirming medical professionals, we oppose eugenics in all forms, and especially when it targets individuals with disabilities. We believe every life has inherent value and dignity, regardless of diagnosis.  In this special episode, Dr. Susan Bane is joined by AAPLOG member and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Kerri Brackney for a thoughtful and important discussion. Together, they address what true pregnancy counseling should look like following a Down syndrome diagnosis, the differences between screening and diagnostic testing, the importance of informed consent, and much more.  We invite you to listen to this conversation so you can be better equipped to speak with clarity, confidence, and compassion.  Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  5. Jun 11

    How One Pro-Life OB-GYN Changed the Course of the Abortion Industry

    Most people assume effective pro-life activism requires big national efforts or dramatic moments. David Bereit’s story proves that life-changing impact often begins with a single step: prayer, community, and a courageous heart.   Dr. Christina Francis and David Bereit discuss the power of living out pro-life convictions in healthcare, the vital role of medical professionals in shifting cultural perceptions, and why the post-Dobbs era demands unified, innovative strategies. You'll learn how trusted voices like doctors can influence laws, culture, and hearts.  Join us for inspiring insights from a leader whose work proves that one brave act at a time, we can rewrite the story of life in America. Whether you’re new to the movement or a seasoned advocate, this conversation will renew your hope and clarify your role in one of the greatest moral fights of our time.  David Bereit, former CEO of 40 Days for Life and current executive director of the Life Leadership Conference, is a pro-life pioneer with decades of experience mobilizing faith communities, healthcare providers, and grassroots activists. His story is a testament to the power of daily courage and unwavering faith—an essential listen for anyone who believes that every life matters and that together, we can change the culture.  Resources:   About David Bereit Learn more about MBEC 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri.  Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  6. Jun 4

    Seeking Truth in the Age of Feeling, featuring Professor Robbie George

    Most people still believe that feelings are the ultimate guide to truth, but what if trusting emotions is actually leading us astray?   In this powerful keynote address at MBEC 2026, philosopher and public thinker Professor Robert George joins Dr. Susan Bane and exposes how the modern age has shifted from faith and reason to feelings as the central source of morality, and why that shift threatens real freedom, truthful medicine, and moral clarity.  Professor George reveals how feelings, subjective and unreliable, are dominating our cultural and medical decisions, pushing us toward authoritarianism disguised as liberation. He shares profound insights on the true purpose of medicine, the importance of faith and reason working together, and the moral courage needed to stand up against the tide of emotionalism that risks destroying civil liberties, honest dialogue, and objective truths.  This episode is perfect for students, healthcare professionals, and anyone committed to truth in a culture that often prioritizes emotion over reality. Professor George’s insights challenge us to reclaim the dignity of reason and moral clarity, and to stand firm in the face of social and cultural pressures.  Get a sneak peek at MBEC 2027 in St. Louis, Missouri, and stay tuned for when ticket purchases go live this summer: AAPLOG Conference - MBEC 2027 | St. Louis, MO | Feb. 26-28  Other Resources:   Learn more about Professor Robbie George.  Order his book, Seeking Truth and Speaking Truth: Law and Morality in Our Cultural Moment. Explore the MBEC 2027 theme, “The Strength and Beauty of Life-Affirming Medicine.”  Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  7. May 28

    How Research Changed OB-GYN Practice: The Long Road from Findings to Guidelines 

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. John Thorp, a revered OB-GYN and educator whose work has shaped obstetrics globally. Discover how his research, mentorship, and faith influence his practice and vision for the future of medicine. Plus  Key topics:  Dr. Thorp's journey from North Carolina roots to leading OB-GYN research and practice The history and evolution of childbirth medicalization and shifts in clinical guidelines The impact of research on obstetric practices like episiotomy and labor induction The slow but vital process of translating research into clinical practice The role of evidence-based medicine and its limitations in individualized care Mentorship's importance in medicine and how Dr. Thorp mentors future generations Innovative educational efforts, including courses on medical philosophy and faith Upcoming initiatives like the Restorative Reproductive Medicine Conference The intersection of faith, ethics, and medicine in shaping patient care and professional identity Dr. John Thorp is a native North Carolinian who began my OB-GYN residency at the University of North Carolina in 1983 and has practiced there ever since. His clinical focus includes preterm birth prevention, perinatal substance use, and office gynecology. Over the years, he has contributed to research shaping the limited use of episiotomy, progesterone therapy for recurrent preterm birth, magnesium for neuroprotection, and the timing of labor induction. Dr. Thorp recently completed a certificate in Theology, Medicine, and Culture from Duke Divinity School, reflecting my interest in the intersection of faith and clinical care.  Additionally, Dr. Thorp is hosting a seminar on Restorative Reproductive Medicine at Duke University in Durham, NC. The seminar will explore the ethical and medical dimensions of restorative and assisted reproductive approaches, including the history, philosophy, and future potential of RRM. Apply early with many applicants having full funding for travel and conference coverage.  Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

  8. May 21

    ReThink Pregnancy: Taking Back the Cultural Narrative on Pregnancy 

    Today, we’re talking about an exciting project that we, along with EveryLife, launched this month - ReThink Pregnancy.   AAPLOG and EveryLife have partnered together on this campaign to challenge a narrative our culture has been telling women for decades—that pregnancy is something to fear, something that diminishes women, or harms their bodies.   But that story is not only manipulative and harmful, it’s often directly contradicted by science. And together, we’re working to flip the switch by correcting that narrative.   The ReThink Pregnancy campaign is about replacing fear with facts: that pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary, purposeful, and even beneficial biological events a woman’s body can experience. And when you really look at the science, it shows our bodies were designed with incredible intention.   EveryLife founder and CEO, Sarah Gabel Seifert, sits down with Dr. Christina Francis to talk about our joint mission and the incredible benefits of pregnancy    Resources:   Explore ReThink Pregnancy Discover EveryLife products  Follow EveryLife on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter Learn more about us at www.aaplog.org Become a member at www.aaplog.org/join Join our mailing list here. Click here to donate. Follow us on: Facebook Twitter Instagram

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4.9
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

An Open Conversation About Women's Health

Information

  • Creator
    American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG)
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    128
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The OBservations Podcast
  • Show Website
    The OBservations Podcast

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