The Institute of Bioethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS), in Ohio, will hold the Value of Human Life Conference from October 23 - 25, 2009. This will be the fourth conference sponsored by the FUS Bioethics Institute since it was founded in 2007. “The institute seeks to engage the modern culture and present the truth of the human person, following the call of Pope John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae for universities to provide the research, discussion, and articulation of arguments that stand up for and spread the culture of life.” Featured speakers at the conference will be:

-Dr. Francis Beckwith, professor of philosophy and church-state studies at Baylor University, is a noted writer on abortion. His books include Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice and Politically Correct Death: Answering the Arguments for Abortion Rights.

-Dr. Gerard Bradley, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, is known for his work in legal, religious, and related constitutional issues. His most recent book, Essays on Law and Morality, will be published in October.

-Dr. John Keown, professor of Christian ethics at Georgetown University, is frequently quoted by courts due to his research on euthanasia. His writings include Euthanasia, Ethics and Public Policy: An Argument Against Legislation.

-Dr. Patrick Lee, who holds the John N. and Jamie D. McAleer Chair in Bioethics at Franciscan University, serves as the director of the Institute of Bioethics. His most recent book, co-authored with Robert P. George, is Body-Self Dualism in Contemporary Ethics and Politics.

At least 20 papers from other ethicists and experts will also be delivered during the conference, and some discussions will likely address health care reform.

FUS is featured in The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic College, now a free online resource for Catholic students and parents. Source: Franciscan University of Steubenville