Living a Culture of Life

Christmas doesn’t end on December 25—and the Catholic Church has always taught this!In this special Christmas episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explores the deep spiritual meaning of the Christmas Octave and why Catholics are called to celebrate Christmas for eight full days—and beyond.We discuss:What the Christmas Octave is and where it comes fromThe difference between the Christmas Octave and Christmas SeasonHow the Incarnation reveals the dignity of the human personThe feasts of St. Stephen, St. John the Evangelist, the Holy Innocents, and Mary, Mother of GodPractical ways families can keep Christmas alive at homeHow to resist the culture’s rush to move on after December 25Catholic traditions, storytelling, generosity, and faith-filled family lifeFr. Boquet also shares personal reflections—from keeping a nativity scene up all year to unique Louisiana Christmas traditions—and offers practical advice for parents, young adults, and families who want to truly live the Christmas season.🎄 We spend weeks preparing for Christmas—now it’s time to celebrate it.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, family, and living a culture of life.👉 Share this episode with someone who feels Christmas ends too soon.

In today's episode, Monica Gatsi and Veronica Chawasemerwa, long-time HLI missionaries working in Zimbabwe, join us to discuss their mission to bring chastity education to youth in rural villages.Zimbabwe’s youth are increasingly targeted by well-funded Western organizations that offer humanitarian aid—such as textbooks, clean water, and food—while simultaneously promoting contraception, abortion, and anti-family ideologies. We discuss how poverty forces schools to accept aid with strings attached, even when teachers and parents recognize the moral harm.Monica and Veronica share firsthand stories of walking miles—sometimes crossing rivers—to reach remote villages. Through faith-based, science-grounded education, they are helping students rediscover the sanctity of life, African cultural values, and the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why chastity education is urgently needed in ZimbabweHow foreign aid is often tied to abortion and contraception messagingWhat students actually believe about abortion and fetal developmentHow faith, science, and African culture work together to defend lifeStories of crisis pregnancy support and lives saved through compassionWhy teachers are asking for chastity education every weekThis conversation is a moving look at what it means to live a Culture of Life in some of the world’s most underserved communities—and how your support can make a global impact.👉 Support chastity education worldwide: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.💝 $15 sponsors chastity education for one student📚 $200 trains a teacher to teach chastity all year longSubscribe for more stories from the global pro-life mission field.

Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses China’s severe birth rate crisis and why efforts to reverse population decline are failing. Drawing from decades of pro-life work, Fr. Boquet connects China’s demographic collapse to deep cultural, moral, and structural issues also seen across Western nations.The conversation explores the legacy of China’s one-child policy, the rise of IVF as a proposed “solution” to infertility and low birth rates, and the shared misconceptions driving U.S. and Chinese policymakers. Fr. Boquet argues that technological fixes and financial incentives cannot solve what is fundamentally a cultural and moral crisis rooted in the loss of a correct understanding of marriage, family, and human dignity.Topics Include: How China’s One-Child Policy, forced abortions, sterilizations, and neighbor-surveillance culture created a lasting anti-child mindsetWhy government “solutions” (including financial incentives, tax breaks, vouchers, and subsidized IVF) aren’t increasing birth ratesHow China and the U.S. are following the same failing playbook despite very different historiesThe growing IVF industry: moral issues, commodification of children, embryo destruction, and sex-selectionPresident Trump’s 2025 IVF executive orders and what they mean for familiesWhy restorative reproductive medicine, not IVF, is the ethical and effective path for couples with infertilityHow fear, secularism, delayed marriage, and the contraceptive mentality drive low birth rates in the WestWhat the Church teaches about marriage, fertility, openness to life, and the rights of childrenWhat governments can do to support families (subsidiarity, lowering cost of living, protecting marriage)Why evangelization, catechesis, and authentic family culture are the real long-term solutionsIf you want to understand why global birth rates are collapsing — and how to renew a true culture of life — this episode is essential.📢 Support HLI's Mission: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of Life

In this episode, Austin Peck joins us to unpack his conversion to the Catholic faith, his reflections on truth, culture, and modernity, and the new project from the creators of Mass of the Ages entitled Discover Tradition.Austin Peck shares how a 15-year search for truth led him from evangelical Protestantism into the Catholic Church. He describes filming Holy Week in Spain, where Catholic tradition is “woven into the culture” through ancient confraternities, dramatic processions, penitential practices, and stunning sacred art.Peck also speaks candidly about the crisis of modernity, the loss of rootedness among American Catholics, and the temptation to embrace individualism over objective truth. Peck argues that without a return to the sacramental life and authentic tradition, both Europe and America will lose their cultural foundations.Support Discover Tradition (and watch the trailer) here: Mass of the Ages | Discover Tradition📢 Support HLI's Mission: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe

In today’s Thanksgiving episode, Michelle Francis, HLI's Mission Network Manager, joins us for a powerful look back at global pro-life wins in 2025.Michelle shares firsthand updates from HLI missionaries across Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Ukraine, highlighting major achievements in chastity education, seminary formation, crisis pregnancy support, and intergovernmental advocacyKey Topics Covered:Expansion of chastity and character-formation programs across AfricaPersonal stories, including a young Rwandan mother who chose life for her twinsUpdates from Genia in Kyiv, who continues pro-life outreach during active bombingsTen-month educational training, strengthening local pro-life leadership in Latin AmericaThe East Africa Community’s sweeping pro-abortion billCanada-funded abortion legislation in Togo📢 Support HLI's Mission: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe

Dr. Ligaya Acosta, HLI's Regional Director for Asia and Oceania, discusses the growing push to legalize divorce in the Philippines.Right now, the Philippines is facing immense pressure from Western governments, foreign-funded NGOs, and pro-divorce activists to legalize divorce. On this episode, Dr. Ligaya Acosta explains why the Filipino people overwhelmingly reject divorce, how outside money drives the agenda, and what’s really happening inside the nation’s political system.Dr. Ligaya Acosta also shares a deeply personal and unexpected testimony about the struggles in her own marriage, how she and her husband overcame a period of darkness, and why those experiences now allow her to accompany couples with authentic compassion. Her story reveals the profound spiritual battle underlying attacks on marriage and family.Topics in this episode:Why the Philippines has resisted divorce for decadesForeign influence and NGO funding behind the divorce movementCultural, religious, and historical reasons Filipinos protect marriageHow divorce harms children, families, and societyDr. Acosta’s powerful marriage testimony and spiritual warfare experienceWhy marriage preparation for young people is urgently neededHow Human Life International works with legislators, clergy, and familiesIf you want to understand the cultural, political, and spiritual forces surrounding the divorce debate—and hear a moving firsthand story of marital healing—this episode is essential.📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of Life

Fr. Francesco Giordano, Regional Director for Human Life International in Europe, discusses Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, his unique background, and what his leadership could mean for the Catholic Church, life, and family in today’s divided world.Fr. Giordano shares touching stories of his encounters with Pope Leo—both as a cardinal and as pope—and reflects on his humility, attentiveness, and deep understanding of the Church’s global mission.Key Topics Discussed:Fr. Giordano’s first meeting with Pope Leo in RomeThe importance of prudence and patience in papal leadershipHow Pope Leo bridges cultures: American, Latin American, and EuropeanThe role of truth and faith in achieving authentic Christian unityThe meaning of hope during a divided era in Church and societyThis episode offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual insights of a priest serving at the heart of the Church. Whether you’re a Catholic seeking renewal or simply curious about the future of the papacy, Fr. Giordano’s reflections will inspire you to live out a culture of life, faith, and hope.📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of Life

In this powerful episode, Mario Rojas, HLI's Regional Director for Latin America, discusses a stunning real-world case of censorship and faith under fire.Earlier this year, one of HLI's missionaries in Latin America was accused of “hate speech” simply for giving a pro-life talk on authentic sexual education — one that promotes abstinence before marriage and respect for life. Mario shares how radical feminist groups tried to silence the message, how the Church and legal experts stood firm, and how the case was ultimately dismissed.Hear firsthand how the pro-life movement continues to grow across Latin America through missionary outreach and online education.  @VidaHumanaInternacional  YouTube Channel: Vida Humana Internacional - YouTubePrevious Episode with Mario Rojas: Fighting LGBTQ Propaganda | Missionary Mario Rojas📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: Human Life International | Pro-life. Catholic. Global.📢 Support the Mission: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life InternationalHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of Life

In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks the Catholic understanding of spiritual warfare—the ongoing struggle between good and evil that every believer faces.Drawing on Scripture, the saints, and his global pro-life mission experience, Fr. Boquet explains how the devil attacks individuals, marriages, and the Church—and how to stand firm through prayer, confession, and the Eucharist.Key Topics:Definition and meaning of spiritual warfareUnderstanding temptations as spiritual attacksCommon misconceptions about the devilHow to recognize and resist spiritual manipulationVigilance in prayer, confession, and daily virtueSpiritual warfare in the pro-life mission fieldProtecting your marriage, family, and home from evilHow prayer, sacraments, and Scripture fortify believersPractical spiritual disciplines for daily lifeThe ultimate victory of Christ over evilScripture passages to meditate on: - The Apostle Paul tells us clearly in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh.” - Mark 5:1–20 recounts the exorcism of the Gerasene demoniac, a dramatic episode in which Jesus asserts power over a "legion" of unclean spirits.- Luke 10:18 records Jesus’ declaration: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,” symbolizing the eschatological victory of divine authority over evil.- The Apostle Paul, particularly in Ephesians 6:12, frames the Christian life as an ongoing battle "not against flesh and blood" but against "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," providing theological scaffolding for subsequent teachings on demonic opposition.

Fr. Shenan Boquet joins us to explore St. John Paul II’s 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life). He explains why the document remains a foundational guide for the Catholic Church and the global pro-life movement 30 years later. Fr. Boquet explains how John Paul II prophetically identified modern confusion about freedom and autonomy as the roots of the “culture of death.”Listeners will learn how Evangelium Vitae connects issues such as abortion, contraception, euthanasia, gender ideology, and human dignity under a single Catholic vision of life. The conversation also covers how to build a “culture of life” in daily practice through prayer, formation, and public witness.Key Topics & TakeawaysHistorical context: How the 1991 Synod of Bishops led to Evangelium Vitae (1995).Audience: Why encyclicals are addressed to the whole ChurchFreedom and truth: John Paul II’s warning against autonomy detached from truth.Culture of Life vs. Culture of Death: How societies either protect or destroy human dignity.Abortion and Contraception: The false belief that contraception prevents abortion—and why both stem from the same mindset.Prophetic relevance: Connections to current issues like gender ideology, AI, and bioethics.Living the Gospel of Life: Practical ways Catholics can defend and witness to life today.Evangelium Vitae text: Evangelium Vitae (25 March 1995)Fr. Boquet's article on Evangelium Vitae: Respect Life Month 2025: The Message of Evangelium Vitae | Human Life International

Divorce remains illegal in just two countries worldwide: the Philippines and Vatican City. In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet explains the ongoing campaign to legalize divorce in the Philippines and why this debate goes far beyond one nation.Discover how the breakdown of marriage affects culture, governance, and the common good—and why the state must defend the sanctity of family life.Father Boquet explains:Why the Catholic Church and the Filipino people are resisting efforts to legalize divorce.How Western funding and cultural pressure are fueling the pro-divorce movement.Why the state has a moral interest in upholding marriage and protecting families.What happens when marriage laws collapse — from Europe to Latin America.The mission of the Asia-Pacific Congress for Life, Marriage, and Family (ASPAC) in defending life and family across Asia.This conversation dives deep into how faith, culture, and governance intersect — and why the Philippines’ decision on divorce could shape the global future of family life.Help send pro-life education to cultural leaders in Asia and Oceania! Rush your best gift here: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of Life

In this episode, we sit down with Fr. Shenan Boquet to explore the Catholic Church’s teachings on Natural Family Planning (NFP) and contraception. Building on last week’s discussion about marriage, Fr. Boquet clarifies how NFP cooperates with God’s natural design, while contraception disrupts the marital act.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the moral principles, theology of the body, and practical guidance that help Catholic couples live a faithful and fruitful love.In the first episode of this series, Father Boquet discussed the Church's teaching on marriage and responsible parenthood. NFP must be used for just/series reasons and may NOT be used selfishly (i.e. with a "contraceptive mindset."). Watch the first episode here for more information: Marriage as a Reflection of God's Love: Catholic Teaching on NFP Pt. 1Key Topics CoveredWhat is Natural Family Planning?Why contraception violates the unitive and procreative meanings of marital loveHow NFP differs from contraceptionThe meaning of free, total, faithful, and fruitful loveMoral decision-making and conscience formationWhat constitutes “just reasons” or “grave reasons” to postpone pregnancyThe role of priests and pastoral guidance in family planningPractical Catholic resources for learning NFPResources Mentioned:Humanae Vitae by Pope St. Paul VIFamiliaris Consortio by Pope St. John Paul IIU.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Natural Family Planning | USCCBHuman Life International articles on NFP: Natural Family Planning | Human Life InternationalHuman Life International articles on contraception: Birth Control Information: Your Comprehensive GuideNFP Methods: Billings Ovulation, Creighton, Marquette, Sympto-ThermalLiving the Culture of Life#NaturalFamilyPlanning #CatholicMarriage #ProLife #FrShenanBoquet #CatholicPodcast #HumanaeVitae #LivingACultureOfLife #CatholicTeaching #NFP #MarriageAndFamily

Have you ever wondered why the Catholic Church condemns contraception? And if contracepting is immoral, why are couples allowed to use Natural Family Planning (NFP)? This is a hot button issue for many modern Catholics. So, we've prepared a two-part series to help you understand the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage, contraception, and NFP.In order to understand why contraception is immoral but NFP is allowed, you must first understand what the Catholic Church teaches about marriage. So, in this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet uses Humanae Vitae, Sacred Scripture, and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to reveal marriage as a free, total, faithful, and fruitful covenant. In the following episode, Father will return to explain what the Catholic Church teaches about contraception and NFP, building upon the themes introduced in this conversation. Topics in this episode:Why marriage reflects God’s love for His peopleThe 4 aspects of marriage as found in Humanae Vitae (free, total, faithful, fruitful)How conjugal love renews the wedding vowsWhy fruitfulness matters in God’s designThe link between marriage and understanding God’s love👰🤵 Whether you’re newly engaged, married for decades, or simply seeking clarity, this episode provides timeless wisdom and encouragement.👉 Don’t miss next week’s follow-up episode, where we dive into natural family planning and the Church’s teaching on contraception.📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.org📢 Support HLI's mission to train pro-life leaders around the world: Give the world another pro-life leader | Human Life InternationalHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeLiving the Culture of LifeChapters:00:00 Intro02:30 What Does the Church Teach About Marriage?05:41 Free Love08:15 Total Love12:14 Faithful Love18:46 Marriage & Your Relationship with God33:39 Why Cohabitation is Wrong24:38 Fruitful Love32:02 Sex Renews Marriage Vows36:32 Types of Fruit39:45 Our World Needs Models!42:55 Are Catholics Called to Have as Many Children as Possible?59:59 Send Us Your Questions!

The surrogacy industry is projected to explode from $14.95 billion in 2023 to nearly $100 billion by 2033—but at what cost to women and children?On this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet unpacks a groundbreaking United Nations report by Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem, which condemns and exposes the surrogacy industry.The report exposes how commercial and so-called “altruistic” surrogacy exploit women, commodify children, and fuel human trafficking—calling the practice a form of modern slavery and demanding a global ban.Fr. Boquet explains:Why Pope Francis and the UN unexpectedly share the same urgent warningHow surrogacy contracts violate the rights of women and childrenThe hidden connection between IVF, contraception, and surrogacyPractical ways pro-life advocates can educate others and defend human dignityIf you’ve ever wondered how to answer tough questions about surrogacy, infertility, and the Catholic Church’s teaching on human life, this episode gives you the facts, the science, and the moral clarity.🔗 Resources & Links• Read the UN report on surrogacy (Reem Alsalem): Report of the Special Rapporteur• Fr. Boquet’s Spirit & Life article: Surrogacy as Modern Slavery | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.orgHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 SubscribeChapters: 00:00 Intro01:00 Mission Field & Fr. Marx12:00 UN Surrogacy Report19:00 Historical Condemnation20:15 UN Report Background 25:45 No Right to a Child34:15 International Issue42:30 Rights of the Child46:15 Different than Adoption55:20 Solutions to Surrogacy Crisis1:00:30 Long Term Change?

What REALLY happened when the FDA approved the abortion pill?Obviously, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should never have approved a drug intended to kill an innocent preborn child. However, real-world data shows that the abortion pill also poses serious health risks for the mother as well.Pro-abortion advocates claim to care about women's health. So, how did such a dangerous drug ever receive FDA approval?Today’s episode dives into a complex and eye-opening investigation into the FDA's approval of the abortion pill combination of mifepristone (RU-486) and misoprostol. Researcher Teresa Marsano joins us to reveal how a web of politics, pharmaceutical deals, and population control strategies converged to push the drug onto the U.S. market—and ultimately around the world.As you listen, you’ll hear how the abortion pill’s approval involved unusual regulatory shortcuts for RU486, a second drug (misoprostol) used off-label, and real-world data that paints a very different picture than what the public (and abortion-vulnerable women) have been told. Teresa also traces how U.S. government, the Population Council, and the World Health Organization viewed FDA approval as the gateway to distributing the abortion pill globally.This conversation covers a lot of ground—history, science, law, and ethics—so keep the big picture in mind: how pressure on the FDA led to unusual regulatory practices with profound implications for women’s health and population policy.As with all guests, Teresa Marsano's views are her own and not necessarily reflective of HLI.Teresa's first episode on Living a Culture of Life podcast: How Abortion Pill Vendors Violate Public Health Laws | Teresa MarsanoDownload your FREE eBook to find out more about the United States' depopulation agenda: Uncover the Global Depopulation Project (Funded With Your Tax Dollars!) | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.org

In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet discusses how Catholics can respond to tragedy and live as witnesses to the hope of Christ in a world that often rejects God and human dignity. From school shootings and senseless violence to the anniversary of 9/11, this conversation explores how the City of God and the City of Man (St. Augustine’s framework) can help us understand today’s culture and guide us to be faithful disciples.Fr. Boquet shares insights on:How Christians can find peace and strength in times of tragedy.The meaning of St. Augustine’s City of God vs. City of Man.Why persecution—both big and small—is part of the Christian journey.The importance of practicing God’s presence daily.Practical ways Catholics can be light in the darkness and bring the culture of life into the culture of death.Fr. Shenan Boquet's Spirit & Life article: The City of God and The City of Man | Human Life InternationalLiving the Culture of Life

In this episode, Dr. Joe Zalot, Staff Ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), joins us to explore one of the most pressing moral questions in modern healthcare: Can Catholics ethically participate in organ donation?Dr. Zalot unpacks what the Catholic Church teaches about organ donation, focusing on three key principles:The donor must be truly dead before vital organs are removed.Free and informed consent must be given.Donation must always be understood as a gift, never a commercial exchange.This episode covers:The Catholic view of brain death and why it remains controversial.The difference between neurological criteria (brain death) and circulatory death (DCD).Why “moral certitude” is essential before proceeding with organ procurement.Ethical concerns with recent American Academy of Neurology brain death guidelines (2023).What Catholics should know before signing up as an organ donor.How to make informed decisions about end-of-life care and transplants.Whether or not vital organ donation is prudent in today's medical systemDr. Zalot also highlights the importance of informed consent, the problem of automatic organ donor enrollment in some countries, and practical advice for Catholic families navigating these decisions.Do you have a question about the ethics of specific medical situations? Check out the National Catholic Bioethics Center's 24-hour consultation service: Consultation Submission Form — The National Catholic Bioethics Center

In this deeply moving episode of Living a Culture of Life, we welcome back Leigh Ann Woznica to share her testimony of transformation—from having three abortions, struggling with guilt and trauma, and choosing life for her daughter, to ultimately finding healing through Christ.Leigh Ann courageously opens up about:Her childhood and the fear that led to her first abortion at age 15.How multiple abortions impacted her emotionally, spiritually, and physically.The moment she chose life for her daughter, despite incredibly difficult circumstances.Her path to sobriety, faith in Christ, and involvement in the pro-life movement.Why post-abortive healing and forgiveness are critical for women and families.How she turned her passion for natural living into Rebirth Body Butters, a skincare company that donates a portion of every sale to pro-life organizations.Key Themes:Post-abortive healing and forgivenessThe importance of pregnancy resource centersFinding true support for women in crisis pregnanciesUsing business as a platform for pro-life advocacyResources & Links:Support Leigh Ann’s business: ReBirth Body Butters (Use code HLI20 for 20% off)Watch Leigh Ann’s previous testimony on IVF and the dark side of the fertility industry: Undergoing 4 Rounds of IVF: My Journey | Leigh Ann Woznica

In this episode, Fr. Shenan Boquet shares powerful insights on the Catholic teaching of the domestic church. He explains why strong families are the key to addressing broader cultural issues, and why spiritual growth within the home is essential for helping one another reach Heaven.Fr. Boquet discusses:What the Catholic Church means by “domestic church”How strengthening families heals cultural problemsThe role of personal spiritual life within marriagePractical ways for spouses to pray togetherNavigating differences in spirituality within marriageHow parents can guide children into a deeper relationship with ChristHow grandparents can influence the faith of grandchildren, even when children have fallen awayKey Takeaway: Families are the cells of society. When families are spiritually strong, culture is transformed.This episode is essential listening for Catholic couples, parents, and grandparents who want to build strong families of faith, prayer, and love.Read Fr. Boquet's Spirit & Life article here: The Domestic Church: How Catholic Families Can Renew the World | Human Life International📲 Subscribe & Follow👉 Subscribe for future episodes of Living a Culture of Life👉 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultureoflife_podcast/👉 Follow us on X (Twitter): https://x.com/cultureoflife_p🎧 Listen Anywhere You Get PodcastsFull episodes available on all major platforms: Spotify, Apple, Google, and more.🎙️ Or listen directly on our website: https://hli.org📢 Support the MissionHelp us proclaim the truth about life, family, and human dignity.👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe

How is the culture of death impacting the United Kingdom? On this episode, Fr. Boquet breaks down the spread of assisted dying and euthanasia in the UK and Ireland.Earlier this year, the UK House of Commons passed the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill”, moving the country one step closer to legalizing assisted suicide. The bill now sits with the House of Lords and—if passed—would mark a dangerous shift in UK law by amending the 1961 Suicide Act.Father Boquet warns this is the same incremental strategy used in other nations like Canada to normalize assisted suicide and euthanasia. Despite claims that the "slippery slope" isn't real, it's clear that so-called "restrictions" always quickly give way to widespread acceptance.But the UK isn’t the only concern. In Ireland, while assisted suicide remains illegal, Father Boquet shares disturbing reports from his recent mission trip: questionable end-of-life practices, conversations that hint at euthanasia, and a lack of public awareness about the legislative push to normalize assisted suicide.Besides the obvious threat to life and human dignity, Fr. Boquet also explains how this cultural shift reflects a loss of the true meaning of compassion. Normalizing assisted suicide erodes the family’s role in caring for the elderly. The modern world idolizes autonomy and rejects human dignity. Father also offers practical pastoral strategies for discussing difficult end-of-life issues before a crisis hits—and calls listeners to action both in Europe and in the United States.If you care about the dignity of life from conception to natural death, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.