Back Pew Bioethics—an LDS Bioethics Podcast

TW: This episode discusses abortion, rape, and infant/maternal deathOh boy, on this episode we are really getting into it as we discuss the current abortion policies across the US. We tackle the history of the LDS Church’s policy on abortion, the rise of maternal and infant deaths after the fall of Roe v. Wade, and how restrictive abortion laws in many states violate the religious freedom of Latter-day Saints as well as other religious groups.About the hosts:Brad, a PhD bioethicist and medical school professor and Calli, a PhD candidate in bioethics and genetics data analyst, explore the world of bioethics through the lens of LDS theology and faith. As life-long active members of the LDS Church, and some of the few bioethicists that are part of the faith, they hope to bridge the unique teachings and doctrines of the LDS Church with some of the most controversial topics of our time. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of their employers or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  Music: Alan Hawkshaw    / alan hawkshaw - topic

It's General Conference time again; that semi-annual Latter-day Saint tradition where we gather ‘round to listen to the prophet--and gorge ourselves on pastries. In this episode, we discuss the themes and talks that stood out to us. We’re talkin’ changes to the Sunday schedule, Elder Gilbert’s early efforts to cleanse BYU faculty, why people are really leaving the Church, the “Protestization” of Church rhetoric, Resurrection-for-all, and whether “fairness for all” includes due process for immigrants. All while facing down one of the most vexing theological challenges of all time, the Problem of Evil. About the hosts:Brad, a PhD bioethicist and medical school professor and Calli, a PhD candidate in bioethics and genetics data analyst, explore the world of bioethics through the lens of LDS theology and faith. As life-long active members of the LDS Church, and some of the few bioethicists that are part of the faith, they hope to bridge the unique teachings and doctrines of the LDS Church with some of the most controversial topics of our time. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of their employers or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  Music: Alan Hawkshaw    / alan hawkshaw - topic 

For our second episode we tackled one of the most consequential technologies of the last decade AI and things got…weird. In this episode we will cover the Utah plan to let AI renew prescriptions, LDS authorities responses to AI, our changing sense of identity, equity with AI, and whether we ought to torture AI to help it serve humans better.About the hosts:Brad, a PhD bioethicist and medical school professor and Calli, a PhD candidate in bioethics and genetics data analyst, explore the world of bioethics through the lens of LDS theology and faith. As life-long active members of the LDS Church, and some of the few bioethicists that are part of the faith, they hope to bridge the unique teachings and doctrines of the LDS Church with some of the most controversial topics of our time. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of their employers or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  Music: Alan Hawkshaw    / alan hawkshaw - topic  Links:Utah AI-powered, autonomous prescription renewals partnership with Doctronic:https://commerce.utah.gov/2026/01/06/news-release-utah-and-doctronic-announce-groundbreaking-partnership-for-ai-prescription-medication-renewals/The Church developed “Principles for Church Use of Artificial Intelligence” highlighting transparency and the importance of spiritual connection.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/artificial-intelligence?lang=engStanford study on AI therapists https://hai.stanford.edu/news/exploring-the-dangers-of-ai-in-mental-health-carePowerPoint on AI and Pain:AI Rx.pptx

For our first episode we are going back, way back to the very first bioethical debate within the LDS Church, evolution. In this episode we will cover the history of First Presidency statements on evolution, the arguments that erupted between apostles on the subject, and how modern members of the Church view it. We will also discuss our own views on evolution and how faith and scientific facts can and should be reconciled. About the hosts:Brad, a PhD bioethicist and medical school professor and Calli, a PhD candidate in bioethics and genetics data analyst, explore the world of bioethics through the lens of LDS theology and faith. As life-long active members of the LDS Church, and some of the few bioethicists that are part of the faith, they hope to bridge the unique teachings and doctrines of the LDS Church with some of the most controversial topics of our time. The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the presenters and do not represent the views of their employers or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints