Jan. 11, 2017

Catholic University Experts Available to Address Topics Related to Pro-Life Cause

The following Catholic University professors are available to serve as experts on issues related to bioethics, the pro-life movement, and other topics related to the respect of life.

Click on an expert's name for more information on their expertise and links to recent media appearances. For assistance in reaching sources, contact Katie Lee or Mary McCarthy Hines in the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.

  • Joseph Capizzi , professor of moral theology and executive director of the Institute for Human Ecology, can discuss topics of bioethics, personhood, and social and political questions pertaining to abortion and euthanasia. He has written and spoken about the history of the prolife movement in the U.S., the consistent ethic of life, and the social and political impact of abortion and euthanasia. Contact Capizzi at Capizzi@cua.edu .
  • David Cloutier , associate professor of moral theology, has written extensively on American consumer culture and environmental issues. He can comment on the relationship of the pro-life movement to what Pope Francis has called a "throwaway" culture of waste, and how the Church's positions on abortion and euthanasia are consistent with a culture of care for the planet and limiting our consumption. He is the author of four books, including the award-winning The Vice of Luxury: Economic Excess in a Consumer Age and Walking God's Earth: The Environment and Catholic Faith . Contact Cloutier at cloutier@cua.edu .  
  • John Grabowski , associate professor of moral theology, can comment on topics related to morality and ethics. He has researched and written about beginning of life issues such as abortion and personhood, reproductive technologies, and moral dilemmas related to embryo adoption. He serves as a theological advisor to the USCCB's Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family and Youth. Contact Grabowski at Grabowski@cua.edu .
  • Chad Pecknold , associate professor of theology, is a highly sought after expert on religion and public life. He is available to comment on how Christian beliefs influence voters and politicians alike, especially on highly contested topics such as abortion, euthanasia, marriage, and religious liberty. Contact Pecknold at Pecknold@cua.edu .
  • Lucia Silecchia , professor of law, is an expert on legal issues pertaining to the elderly and disabled. Last fall, she published an opinion piece in the Washington Times on D.C.'s "Death with Dignity" act and was quoted in a Catholic News Agency story on the legislation. She also provided commentary to Crux and C atholic News Agency with respect to last June's Supreme Court decision, Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt , a landmark case striking down Texas's safety regulations for abortion clinics. Contact Silecchia at Silecchia@law.edu or 202-903-5560.

To search for other CUA faculty who serve as experts for the media, visit the online Experts Guide or contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu for more assistance.

-30-