The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity 26^th Annual Summer ConferenceJune 20–22, 2019Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL

Durring our 26^th annual summer conference, Taking Care: Perspectives for the End of Life, distinguished speakers examined foundational concepts and bioethical considerations related to death, dying, and end-of-life care and decision-making. Plenary sessions focused on theological foundations, contemporary cultural practices surrounding death and dying, the role of faith in end-of-life care, disparities in care, cost of care and patient goods, and lessons from the Netherlands for physician-assisted suicide. Workshops and paper sessions explored additional issues from among the wide spectrum of traditional and emerging bioethical topics, ranging from beginning-of-life issues and dilemmas in clinical ethics to reproductive and genetic ethics, disability ethics, emerging technology assessment, historical analyses, philosophical foundations, policy considerations, and legal implications.

Conference Objectives:

Identify the prospects and challenges for the evolving landscape of bioethical engagement within the context of shifting global and societal realities and advances in medicine and biotechnology.

Explore & discuss the ethical implications of recent developments in medicine, science, and technology with respect to our individual and common humanity.

Evaluate contemporary bioethical discourses in light of ethical approaches that include philosophical, religious, and other perspectives from the medical humanities.

Promote interdisciplinary engagement on pressing bioethical issues.

• View the 2019 Conference Notebook

Plenary Speakers

• Empirical Perspectives on Care at the End of Life - Tracy A. Balboni, MD, MPH
• PAS and Aid in Dying: Lessons from the Netherlands - Theo A. Boer, PhD
• Biblical and Theological 'Givens' for Responsible Christian Thinking About Death - D. A. Carson PhD
• Reclaiming the Lost Art of Dying - Lydia S. Dugdale, MD, MAR
• Dignity and Life on the Line: Ending Well - John F. Kilner, PhD
• Eyes to See, Ears to Hear: Seeking Shalom for Those Dying at the Margins - Patrick T. Smith, PhD
• Care Taking in Secular Bioethics - Jon C. Tilburt, MD

Courses

• Intensive Bioethics Institute (BE5100) - Paige C. Cunningham, JD, PhD
• Advanced Bioethics Institute (BE6500) - Michael J. Sleasman, PhD
• Basic Bioethics for Professionals Institute (BE476x) - Joyce Shelton, PhD
• Contemporary Issues in Bioethics (BE7700a) - Michael J. Sleasman, PhD
• Bioethics National Conference (BE5900) - Hans Madueme, MD, PhD
• Post-Conference Seminar - Human Nature, Personal Identity, and the Ethics of Brain Technologies Seminar (BE7700b) - William P. Cheshire, Jr., MD, MA, FAAN & Todd Daly, PhD

1-Day Preconference Workshops

• Conscientious Practice in Healthcare: Ethical, Clinical, and Legal Issues | Led by Steven Aden, JD & Lauris Kaldjian, MD, PhD
• Suffering, Pain, Opioids, and Compassionate Care for Patients: Controversies and Hope | Led by Ryan Nash, MD, MA, FACP, FAAHPM & Nicole Shirilla, MD, MEd

1-Day Pastors Workshop

• Led by Allen H. Roberts, II, MD & C. Ben Mitchell, PhD
• Cosponsored by: Center for Transformational Churches

Sponsored Workshops

• Rights of Conscience for Healthcare Professionals | Hosted by Alliance Defending Freedom
• Bioethics, Autonomy, and Clashes of Values | Hosted by American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians & Gynecologists
• Euthanasia and Eugenics: The Pediatric Connection | Hosted by American College of Pediatricians
• Fatal Flaws: Turning Back the Legalization of Assisted Suicide | Hosted by Americans United for Life with Steven H. Aden, JD
• Anatomy of a Perfect Crime: How to Dissect the Typical Assisted Suicide Statute and Expose Its Harmful Nature | Hosted by Bioethics Defense Fund
• Whither Futility? Seeking a New Vocabulary for Difficult End-of-Life Decisions | Hosted by Christian Legal Society
• Dignity and Dementia | Hosted by Christian Medical & Dental Associations
• Caring for the Suffering: Drugs, Consciousness, and Becoming Human | Hosted by The Ohio State University Center for Bioethics
• Organ Procurement Strategies: Protecting the Sacredness of Donor and Recipient | Hosted by Pellegrino Center for Clinical Bioethics

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