Renowned Speakers to Unveil and Provide Solutions for Medical Assaults on Human Dignity
Ohio Right to Life, Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo, Foundation for Life (Toledo) Are Co-Sponsors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jamieson Weaver
DATE: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
TOLEDO, Ohio—Three pro-life Ohio organizations are collaborating to bring renowned speakers to Toledo in November to reveal recent horrific assaults on human dignity – and to offer solutions.
The event is themed “Courage In The Culture: Unveiling the Medical Assault on Human Dignity” and will feature:
Wesley J. Smith is an international lecturer, public speaker, lawyer and the author of many articles and books, including both “Consumer’s Guide to a Brave New World” and “Culture of Death: The Age of ‘Do Harm’ Medicine.” He has been published by many media such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and First Things. Smith’s presentation is titled “Danger of Utilitarian/Undignified Bioethics.”
Ashley Fernandes, M.D., Ph.D. is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP); the associate director of the Center for Bioethics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine; and an associate professor of pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Fernandes’ presentation is titled “Finding the Courage to Defend Human Life (and Win).”
Patricia (Pat) Oedy-Murray is an adjunct professor in Theological Studies at Lourdes University and the host of “The Virtuous Life” on Annunciation Catholic Radio. She completed a year-long National Catholic Certification in Health Care Ethics from the National Catholic Bioethics Center. Oedy-Murray’s presentation is titled “Human Dignity at the End of Life.”
(Editor’s note: Please click here for additional bio info about the speakers.)
This event, free and open to the public, will be Saturday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Parish, Parish Life Center, Roncalli Hall, 24250 Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.
Attendees MUST pre-register to attend via ohiolife.org/courage or by calling 614-547-0099, ext. 307. A free boxed lunch and refreshments will be served.
“Medical assaults on human dignity stealthily and steadily creep into hospice centers, hospitals and science labs,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “These horrific assaults must stop. We hope this event will bring them to light, and that you will partner with us as we seek an end to this – via education, advocacy and prayer.”
“The Catholic perspective on life is always to promote life and preserve human dignity,” said Peter Range, director of the Office for Life and Justice, Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo. “This includes advocating for the underserved and those with no voice. This is what it means to live out the teachings of Jesus, to love and respect every life from the moment of conception to natural death. Every child conceived in the womb is precious, holy and dignified, as is every individual at the end of their life in a nursing home or in the care of their family at home.”
“Foundation for Life works to educate our fellow citizens about the objective truth of the value of every human life,” said Ed Sitter, executive director, Foundation for Life. “Through this event, we hope to change hearts and minds and influence public opinion towards recognition of the inherent dignity of human life. Education and advocacy are crucial in fostering a culture that values all life, born and preborn.”
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo in northwest Ohio makes real the love God has for each individual regardless of their faith or background by serving the poor, speaking for and assisting the neglected and forgotten, respecting and promoting life from beginning to end, and nurturing and supporting individuals and families.
The mission of Foundation for Life and Greater Toledo Right to Life is to safeguard that inalienable right to life by presenting the truth about abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and other issues which impact the right to life. We believe every human being is created in the image of God. We strive to be a trusted and credible advocate … with a positive, compassionate, and effective pro-life message throughout the communities we serve – Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties.
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