Bioethics Library
Sources, cited and linked to the original
We do not reproduce copyrighted material. Every entry summarises the source, explains why it matters for formation, and links to the publisher.
Source type
Category
Assigned module
18 resources
- 📖 Catholic TeachingHuman Dignity
Catechism §§1700–1709 — The Dignity of the Human Person
Holy See
The foundational treatment of the human person made in God's image, with reason, conscience and freedom.
Why it matters: Every clinical judgment in this program rests on the dignity of the patient in front of you.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingMoral Reasoning
Catechism §§1749–1761 — The Morality of Human Acts
Holy See
Object, intention and circumstances as the three sources of the morality of an act.
Why it matters: This is the analytical spine of every case in the Medical Case Lab.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingConscience
Catechism §§1776–1802 — Moral Conscience
Holy See
The nature of conscience, the duty to form it, and the treatment of erroneous judgment.
Why it matters: Conscientious objection is only credible when conscience has actually been formed.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingBeginning of Life
Catechism §§2258–2283 — Respect for Human Life
Holy See
Teaching on the protection of human life, including abortion, euthanasia and end-of-life decisions.
Why it matters: Primary reference for Module 5 and for beginning- and end-of-life cases.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 🧠 BioethicsCatholic Medical Ethics
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services
USCCB
The operative directives governing Catholic health care institutions in the United States.
Why it matters: If you train or practice in Catholic health care, these directives will shape your daily work.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingEnd of Life
Samaritanus bonus — Care of Persons in Critical and Terminal Phases of Life
Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
Contemporary magisterial guidance on accompanying patients near death, palliative care and euthanasia.
Why it matters: Directly addresses the end-of-life questions students will meet in clinical rotations.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 🧠 BioethicsBioethics
The National Catholic Bioethics Center
NCBC
Consultation, publications and ethical analysis for clinicians, institutions and students.
Why it matters: The first place to look for careful analysis of cooperation, double effect and clinical cases.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚕️ MedicalProfessional Integrity
Catholic Medical Association
CMA
Professional association of Catholic physicians, with student sections, conferences and mentorship.
Why it matters: The most direct path from a student cohort to a lifelong professional community.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚕️ MedicalProfessional Integrity
AMA Code of Medical Ethics
American Medical Association
The profession's standard ethical opinions on the physician-patient relationship and practice.
Why it matters: You must be able to state what your profession expects before you explain where you differ.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚖️ Law / PolicyMedical Law
Conscience and Religious Freedom Protections
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (OCR)
Federal conscience protection statutes and the complaint process administered by OCR.
Why it matters: Know the general landscape before you need it; consult an attorney for specific situations.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚖️ Law / PolicyFlorida Law
Online Sunshine — Florida Statutes
The Florida Legislature
Official searchable text of Florida statutes, including health care and conscience provisions.
Why it matters: Florida-specific questions must be checked against current statutory text, not summaries.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚕️ MedicalPalliative Care
WHO Palliative Care Fact Sheet
World Health Organization
Definition, scope and global need for palliative care across the course of serious illness.
Why it matters: Clarifies that excellent symptom management is not euthanasia.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚕️ MedicalEctopic Pregnancy
ACOG Practice Resources — Ectopic Pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Clinical guidance on diagnosis and management of tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Why it matters: Moral analysis requires accurate clinical facts first.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingCatholic Medical Ethics
Charter for Health Care Workers
Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
A systematic presentation of Catholic teaching applied to the health professions.
Why it matters: A single reference covering vocation, dignity and clinical ethics together.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 🙏 Spiritual FormationSpiritual Formation
Catechism §§2697–2724 — The Life of Prayer
Holy See
Forms and rhythms of prayer in the life of a believer.
Why it matters: The basis for building a physician's Rule of Life.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 🙏 Spiritual FormationSpiritual Formation
St. Giuseppe Moscati — Biography
Holy See
The life of the Neapolitan physician, researcher and professor canonized in 1987.
Why it matters: A concrete model of scientific excellence and sanctity in one physician.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - 📖 Catholic TeachingLeadership
Catechism §§1877–1896 — Participation in Social Life
Holy See
Authority, common good and responsible participation in community.
Why it matters: Grounds ministry structure and leadership in more than organizational theory.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source - ⚕️ MedicalAdvance Directives
Advance Directives — Patient Resources
National Institute on Aging (NIH)
Plain-language explanation of advance directives, health care proxies and DNR orders.
Why it matters: You will explain these documents to frightened families more often than you expect.
Last reviewed 2026-01Original source