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Position Papers


September 8, 2023

The Ideology of Gender Harms Children

  Defining Terms and Understanding the Issue  “Gender is a term that refers to the psychological and cultural characteristics associated with biological sex. It is a psychological concept….Gender identity refers to an individual’s awareness of being male or female, referred to as an individual’s ‘experienced gender’” (American College of Pediatricians, 2018). Sex is a biological... Read More

October 20, 2021

PrEP

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) is recommended by the CDC for patients at risk of contracting HIV disease from sexual activity or IV drug use. PrEP involves taking a combination pill of antiretroviral medications daily. If the patient is compliant with the regimen, studies confirm a reduction of sexual activity related HIV by 99% and... Read More

October 20, 2021

ED Treatment

In recent years, Catholic and other Christian clinicians have inquired about the ethical status of prescribing erectile dysfunction (ED) medications to unmarried men. The Catholic Medical Association does not object to the utilization of medications for ED for men in a married, monogamous, and heterosexual relationship. This is, of course, after an appropriate medical evaluation... Read More

October 20, 2021

Conscience

Conscience is a fundamental aspect of what it is to be human. Conscience is the ability to distinguish between good and bad action and strive to live in conformity with the virtue of integrity. The formation of conscience and its role in human actions is perhaps the most critical aspect of a person’s character. Many... Read More

September 14, 2015

Statement on Emergency Contraception in Cases of Rape

The trauma of rape is severe, and so often results in an unplanned pregnancy. Compassion must be provided to the victim who has been raped, but at the same time, be mindful a human life may have been conceived and cannot be attacked or destroyed. Compassion, support, and understanding should always be offered by medical... Read More

February 23, 2015

POLST Paradigm and Form

This white paper, prepared by a working group of the Catholic Medical Association, provides a commentary on a new type of end-of-life document called a POLST form (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) as well as on its model (or “paradigm”) for implementation across the United States. This white paper, prepared by a working group of... Read More

September 30, 2012

Resolutions of the CMA General Assembly 2012

On September 28, 2012, the General Assembly of the Catholic Medical Association approved two important resolutions: one on the importance of traditional marriage for the well being of children and the second on opposing the HHS mandate. On September 28, 2012, the General Assembly of the Catholic Medical Association approved the following two resolutions: 1.... Read More

August 31, 2009

Clarifying Church Teaching on End of Life Treatment and Care

In the February 13, 2009, issue of Commonweal, seven directors of bioethics programs at Jesuit universities (the Consortium of Jesuit Bioethics Programs) discussed their understanding of recent magisterial teaching regarding artificial nutrition and hydration (typically called ANH). The Catholic Medical Association responded to some questionable points in this article in a statement which was published... Read More

July 14, 2009

2004 Statement on Health Care Reform

In September 2004, the Catholic Medical Association Health Care Task Force published the Statement, Heath Care in America: A Catholic Proposal for Renewal. Drafted by a multi-disciplinary panel composed of physicians and other health care providers, scholars, businessmen and clergy, Health Care in America provides a systematic overview of the challenges to health care delivery... Read More