Living a Culture of Life Human Life International
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Living out your pro-life values grows trickier by the day. Luckily, this podcast by Human Life International ( https://www.hli.org ) can help! Join us as we discuss the Catholic response to controversial topics (such as abortion, contraception, euthanasia, and the LGBTQ movement) in light of current pro-life events. Human Life International is a non-profit dedicated to helping pro-lifers like you change the world. Subscribe for new content each Thursday. We are living the culture of life. Come join us!
**Remember to give this podcast 5 stars and leave a review to help us reach more people!**
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The Price of Life: Exploring the Human Cost of Surrogacy
What’s the problem with surrogacy? How is it different from adoption? Does the surrogacy industry exploit vulnerable women?
On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the problems with surrogacy. He also shares his experience in the mission field, where both surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are common problems.
Often, people assume that these practices serve the family. In reality, surrogacy and IVF abuse the rights of the child, couple, and surrogate mom. It’s important that medical professionals, priests, and the laity understand these bioethical issues.
Help send bioethical education around the global! Send your best gift here: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International (hli.org)
More Resources:Father’s Spirit and Life article: Pope Francis Calls for Surrogacy Ban, Affirms Human Dignity (hli.org)
Resource article on IVF and Ethical Treatments for Infertility: In Vitro Fertilization: Ethical Issues | HLI
Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)
Chapters:00:00 Intro
01:31 Mission Update
07:09 IVF in Developing Nations
11:32 Ukrainian Surrogacy
13:48 Types of Surrogacies
19:37 What are a Child's Rights?
21:08 Infertility
24:01 Surrogacy vs. Adoption
30:16 Common Reasons for Surrogacy
33:04 Openness to Life
36:03 Preying on Vulnerable Women
42:15 Pope Francis's Comments
45:28 Need for Bioethical Education -
A Child’s Future Turns on His Parents’ Marriage | Dr. Patrick Fagan
Why do children require their biological parents’ marriage? How does a couple’s relationship impact their child’s development?
Today, many children grow up in broken homes. This often negatively impacts their future. Children thrive within the marriage of their biological parents.
So, how can couples help their marriage thrive? How can parents give their children the best environment to grow up in?
On this episode, Dr. Patrick Fagan breaks down the rights of children regarding their parents’ marriage. Find out how your relationship impacts your kids. And find out how you and your spouse can strengthen your marriage so your family can thrive!
Resources:Forge Website: Forge | The Fight For Families (myforge.org)
Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)
Living the Culture of Life -
Cultural Pushback Against Euthanasia in Canada | Amanda Achtman
Why do people get euthanized? And how can we create a culture where euthanasia is unthinkable?
Canada's stats are shocking. Since 2016, over 50,000 individuals have died from legal euthanasia and assisted suicide.
So, what can we do? Right now, Amanda Achtman is on a mission to end euthanasia in Canada. Through her project Dying to Meet You, Amanda is creating a hopeful, life-affirming alternative to counter cultural despair.
Find out more by listening to today’s episode!
Please Note: after filming this episode, Canada's government postponed euthanasia for mental illness until at least March 2027. Please pray that this pause is permanent!
Resources:Check out Amanda's work: Dying To Meet You
Christine’s video: "Don't Euthanize Me" | Christine's Story (youtube.com)
Free e-book! Get your copy of “Which Cosmetics Use Fetal Cells?” here: For the Woman Who Won’t Stop Until Her Beauty Routine is Abortion Free: | Human Life International (hli.org)
Chapters:00:00 Meet Amanda
01:44 Dying to Meet You
02:40 Church as an Expert in Humanity
06:00 Panel Topics
09:22 Positive Alternative Vision
11:33 Suffering
13:54 Canada Euthanasia Stats
19:06 Why are People Euthanized?
22:00 Hope vs. Despair
23:36 Mass of a Lifetime
29:22 Nursing Homes?
31:29 Meaningful Activities?
35:35 USA and Euthanasia
37:33 Euthanasia vs. Assisted Suicide
40:57 Christine's Story: Don't Euthanize Me
49:40 Making Euthanasia Unthinkable
51:44 Don't Lose Hope!
Living the Culture of Life -
Ukraine Caught Between Russian Guns and U.S. Abortion Demands
How has the war with Russia changed pro-life work in Ukraine? Why is this the best time to promote life and family? And do Americans really understand Ukrainian values?
On today's episode, Genia Samborska (HLI's affiliate in Ukraine) and Valentyna Pavsyukova join us for an in-depth discussion about the fight for life and family in Ukraine. Discover Ukraine's conservative values, hear stories of ex-abortionist's profound conversions, and find out how Genia shut down illegal abortion pill distribution in neighboring Poland.
Resources:Donate to HLI and help Genia's work in Ukraine! Send your best gift here: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global. (hli.org)
Chalice of Mercy: Chalice of Mercy, non-profit organization for the Ukraine.
Free e-book! Get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed? | Human Life International (hli.org)
Chapters:00:00:00 Intro
00:01:50 Soviet Anti-Life Influence
00:04:13 Russian Invasion
00:06:10 American Influence
00:07:20 Is Russia Really Pro-Family?
00:09:38 Is Ukraine Liberal?
00:11:40 OB/GYN Pilgrimages
00:13:10 Is Abortion Legal?
00:15:25 Ex-Abortionist Conversions
00:24:15 2nd Conversion Story
00:32:50 Best Time to Defend Life and Family?
00:37:11 Abortion Pills in Poland
00:48:30 A Secret Phone Call
00:52:32 HLI Ukraine's Mission
00:58:40 American Perception of Ukraine
01:03:25 Upcoming Pro-Life Bill
01:07:00 Chalice of Mercy
Living the Culture of Life -
Annulments Procurator Tells the Story Behind the Data
Why are 90% of annulments granted by the Catholic Church? Can you trust the Tribunal’s decision? Why did annulment numbers increase?
Fr. Duesterhaus, a procurator/advocate, has presented many formal cases over the years. On today’s episode, he gives an insider’s look at the annulment process. He also offers insight to the common reasons couples seek annulments.
Fr. Michael R. Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He is the Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish, Front Royal, Virginia.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:29 Code of Canon Law
00:05:22 Cake Analogy
00:09:11 Marriage Definition
00:10:04 Catholic Church Jurisdiction
00:13:48 Why Did Annulment Numbers Rise?
00:15:27 Common Reasons for Annulments
00:18:37 Potential Issues
00:20:36 Why 90% of Annulments are Granted
00:25:00 Pastoral Activity
00:26:04 Can We Trust the Tribunal's Decision?
00:32:43 Contraception?
00:34:08 Porn & Netflix
00:36:41 Bad Marriage Prep
00:40:12 Fr. Duesterhaus' Pre-Cana
00:43:27 No Catholic Culture
00:54:19 Convalidation
00:58:29 Why Some Protestants Aren't Christians
01:03:26 Men Need to be Men
01:04:52 Privilege of Faith Case
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NSSM-200: The USA's Blueprint for Depopulation
Have you ever heard of the Kissinger Report? Officially, National Security Study Memorandum-200 (NSSM-200), this report is the USA’s blueprint for population control.
Released in 1974, the Kissinger Report is 50 years old this year. It’s never been rescinded, so this is still the official U.S. policy.
On today’s episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses the Kissinger Report, which is still impacting families worldwide. We unpack the United States’ motivations for depopulation, what methods the report suggests, and which countries were specifically targeted.
Find out more by watching now!
Exposing Planned Parenthood E-book coming soon! In the meantime, get your copy of "Why We Don't Need Abortion (even for the hard cases)" here: Ever Have Trouble Explaining Why Abortion is NEVER Needed? | Human Life International (hli.org)
NSSM-200 Resource: NSSM-200: National Security Study Memorandum 200 (hli.org)
NSSM-200 Text: PCAAB500.pdf (usaid.gov)
Living the Culture of Life
Customer Reviews
Great show!
Super informative & I love the guest episodes. Keep up the good work!