XXVth FIAMC Congress Zagreb 2018
Congress Information
“…we hold those physicians and medical personnel in the highest esteem who, in the exercise of their profession, value above every human interest the superior demands of their Christian vocation. Let them persevere, therefore, in promoting on every occasion the discovery of solutions inspired by faith and right reason…” (Pope Paul VI, Humanae Vitae)
The 25th Congress of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations – FIAMC, held in Zagreb, Croatia from May 30 through June 2, 2018, had the following objectives:
- Sanctity of Life in the Light of Ethical Relativism, Secularism, and Transhumanism from Fertilization until Natural Death
- Science and Medicine through the Lens of the Magisterium as Expressed in the Past Fifty Years of Papal Encyclicals
- The Mission of FIAMC as an International Association of Lay Medical Professionals in Concert with the Teachings of the Catholic Church
TOPICS:
- Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity
- Humanae Vitae, Evangelium Vitae, Donum Vitae, Laudato Si, Familiaris Consortio
- Science in the Service of Human Nature
- Bioethics and Scientific Achievements in Clinical Practice – Genome
- Editing, Germ Line Therapy, Artificial Gametes from Stem Cells, Perfect Baby
- Protection of the Family, Infertility, Naprotechnology, Procreative Assistance, Ovary and Uterus Transplantation, Gestational Surrogacy
- Interfaith Dialogue – World Medical Association Policy Changes
- Organ Transplantation and Trafficking – Legal Regulations of Medical Practice
- Ethical aspects of Dental Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Pharmacology
- Intergeneration Solidarity, End of Life, Palliative Care and Deep Sedation, Prenatal and Postnatal Euthanasia
- Culture of Life, Culture of Death – Waste Culture
- Medical Education on Bioethics
PROGRAM
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
10:00 –18:00 Registration
10:00 – 13:00 Executive Committee (FIAMC) Meeting
13:00 – 14.30 FEAMC Bureau Meeting
PRE – CONGRESS LECTURES
11:00 – 12:30 Satellite Symposium
Chairman: Jure Murgić
Ingrid Prkačin, Nutrition, Frailty and Disability
Mirjana Turkalj; Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition in Children
Julijana Franinović-Marković, Palliative Carefrom Theory to Practice
13:00 – 14:00 Round table Discussion: Interfaith Dialogue – World Medical Association Policy Changes – Msgr Jacques Suaudeau
Participants from Catholic, Jewish, Islamic and Orthodox Religion
OPENING CEREMONY
15:00 – 16:00
Opening Ceremony Performance
Presidential Address – John Lee and Ana Planinc-Peraica
Distinguished Guests’ Address and Film Projection
Msgr Vincenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life
Institutional address
16:00 – 16:20
Lecture:
Msgr. Bruno- Marie Duffé, Secretary of Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Role of the New Dicastery on Promoting Integral Human Development
16:30 – 18:00
Welcome reception
19:00 – 21:00
Holy Mass and Solemn Procession Our Lady Patroness of Zagreb Celebration, Zagreb Cathedral
Thursday, May 31, 2018
07:15 – 07:45
Holy Mass, The Westin Hotel
08:00 –18:00
Registration
08:30 – 09:00
Keynote Address I
Chairpersons: George Isajiw, USA, John Lee,Singapore; Ana Planinc Peraica, Croatia
Card. Willem Jacobus Eijk, Netherlands, Humanae Vitae: Half a Century – A Stumbling Block or A Prophetic Document?
09:00 – 09:15 Discussion
09:15 – 09:45
Keynote Address II
Chairpersons: Vincenzo Defilippis, Italy; Gian–Luigi Gigli; Italy; Ermanno Pavesi, Switzerland
Msgr. Vicenzo Paglia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Sanctity of Life and the Medical Profession from Humanae Vitae to Laudato si
09:45 – 10:00
Discussion
10:00 – 10:15
Coffee break
Scientific Session I: Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity
Chairpersons: Jack Lane, USA; Vincenzo Defilippis, Italy; Jasenka Markeljević, Croatia
10:15 – 10:35 Nikolas T. Nikas, USA, The Power and Glory of Conscientious Practice in A Culture of Death: What Every Catholic Healthcare Professional Should Know
10:35 -10:55 Gian–Luigi Gigli, Italy, Assisted Nutrition and Hydration. Ethical Meaning in The Different Clinical Contexts
10:55 -11:15 Ermanno Pavesi, Switzerland, Hospital as Christian Institution
11:15 – 11:35 Vincenzo Defilippis, Italy, Role of Catholic Doctors in Europe Today Between Science and Bioethics, Rights and Freedom of Thought
11:35 – 11:55 Jasenka Markeljević, Croatia,Sanctity of Life and Human Dignity in our Civilization – Quo Vadis, Croatia?
11:55 – 12:05 George Isajiw, USA,Stealth Euthanasia Among Us – Before We Take the Splinter Out of Our Brother’s Eye
12.05 – 12.15
Discussion
12:15– 13:00
Round table discussion: Conscientious Objection in Science and Clinical Practice Related to Ethical Committees’ Decisions (Ana Planinc-Peraica, Jasenka Markeljević, Morana Brkljačić)
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch break
Scientific Session II: Trans-humanism and the Medical Profession in Contemporary Civilization
Chairpersons: Jozef Glasa; Slovakia; Davor Miličić, Croatia; Kevin Murrell,USA
14:00 – 14:45 Bernard Ars, Belgium, Reflections on the Human Being in the Face of the Domination of Techno-Sciences
14:45 -15:05 Davor Miličić, Croatia, Ethical Aspects of Everyday Clinical Practice in Perspective of New Technologies
15:05- 15:25Jana Zuščinová, Slovakia, Bioethics & Politics: Good Governance Of Humanity
15:25 – 15:45
Discussion
15:45 – 16:00
Coffee break
16:00 – 16:30
Keynote Address III:
Chairperson Freddie Loh, Malaysia
Msgr. Bruno-Marie Duffé, Secretary of Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Take Care of Your Patients
Scientific Session III: Evangelium Vitae – The Antidote to Contraception, Abortion, and Euthanasia
Chairpersons: Elvis Seman, Australia; Neda Aberle, Croatia; Bernard Ars, Belgium
16:30 – 16:50 Filippo-Maria Boscia, Italy,The great Confusion Between Contraception and Contragestation Abortion Hidden Today
16:50 – 17:10 Jozef Glasa, Slovakia, The Culture of Life and the Waste Culture
17:10 -17:30 Neda Aberle, Croatia, Prenatal Euthanasia for Healthy and Sick Child
17:30 – 18.00
Discussion
19:00 –20:00
Holy Mass, St Marko Church, Upper Town of Zagreb
20:30 – 22:00
Friday, June 1, 2018
07:15 – 07:45 Holy Mass, The Hotel Westin
08:00 –18:00 Registration
Symposium for Students and Young Physicians
Chairpersons: Kevin Murrell, USA; Lucija Murgić, Croatia; Etienne Gaisne, France
08:30 – 08:45 Etienne Gaisne, France, The Medical Error ̶ A Look of Truth
08:45 – 08:55 Kevin Murrell, USA,FIAMC and Young Physicians and Medical Students
08:55 – 09:05 John Rhee, USA, Is God Present in Your Life as a Medical Student?
09:05 – 09:15 Deborah Anne Lee, Singapore,Joy of Service –12 Years of Mission Work and Counting from a Student to a Doctor
09:15 – 09:25 Carissa Soon, Singapore, Student-driven Medical Missions
09:25– 09:35
Panel: Dialogue with Medical Students and Young Doctors – Priscilla Lim, Singapore; Pedro Spinelli, Brazil; John Rhee, USA; Deborah Lee, Singapore; Carissa Soon, Singapore
09:35-10:00
Discussion
10:00 – 11:00
FIAMC General Assembly
Parallel sessions
Workshops
Small Hall 1
08:30 – 10:00 Boris Ujević, Croatia; Lea Potočar, Croatia, FEMM – Healthcare for Women
Small Hall 2
08:30 – 10:00 Marija Ćurlin, Croatia, Billings Ovulation Method® – Fertility Awareness and Management
Small Hall 3
08:30 – 10:00 Freddie Loh, Malaysia, Care for the Poor in Malaysia
Workshops in Different Languages
Small Hall 1
10:00-11:00 ITALIAN LANGUAGE
Danijela Rupčić, Croatia, Aspetti etici e giuridici della protezione del nascituro (Ethical and Legal Aspects of the Protection of Unborn Child)
Small Hall 2
10:00-11:00 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Stephen Bartulica, Croatia, Renewal of Culture and Conscience
Martha Ferenc,Ukraine, Report on Ukrainian Experience in Social Support for Young Mothers
Small Hall 3
08:30-09:30 CROATIAN LANGUAGE
Daniela De Micheli Vitturi, Croatia, Odgovorno roditeljstvo i demografska obnova
(Responsible Parenthood and demographic renewal)
Small Hall 4
08:30-09:30 ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Tvrtko Barun, Croatia,Migration, Human Trafficking and Children Exploitation
11:00-11:15
Coffee Break
11:15 – 11:45
Keynote Address IV:
Msgr. Jacques Suaudeau, France,History and Perspective of Bioethics
11:45 – 12:15
Keynote Address V:
Vincent Kemme, Belgium, A Positive Response to a “Tsunami” of Secularism
Presentation for Medical Students and Young Physicians
12:15 – 12:30 Lucija Murgić, Croatia, Medical Education on Bioethics
12:30 – 12:45 Damir Stojić, Croatia, Pastoral Care for Medical Students in Croatia
12:45 – 13:00 Mateja Šegović, Croatia, Youth Section (CCMS)
13:00 – 13:15 Katarina Mamić, Croatia, World Youth Alliance
Lunch break
13:00 – 14:00
Scientific Session IV: Familiaris Consortio – The Medical Profession in Protection of the Family
14:00 – 14:20 Robert Walley, Canada, Matercare International, Is the Catholic Doctor Being Frozen out of Modern Health Care by New Ethical and Moral Asteroids?
14:20 – 14:50 M.W. LeChevallier, USA, Pharmaceuticals and the Environment: Linkage to Natural Family Planning (NFP)
14:50 – 15:20 Peter Jarzyna, USA, Duke University Trial Shows: Not Born With It! The Worldwide Autism Epidemic – Human Fetal DNA and Retroviral Environmental Triggers
15:20 – 15:40 Msgr. Jacques Suaudeau, France,Patient Centered Medicine
15:40 -16:00
Discussion
16:00 – 16:15
Coffee break
16:15 – 16:45 Priscilla Lim, Singapore; Sr Sarah Garcia, Philippines, The Joy of Service: Proposed Collaboration between FIAMC and Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco
Scientific Session V: Charity in Truth – Science in the Service of Human Nature as Created by God
16:45 – 17:00 Jose-Maria Simon-Castellvi, Spain, Thoughts on Humanae vitae
17:00 – 17:15 Alexandre Laureano-Santos, Portugal, From Scientific Knowledge to Compassion for the Patients
17:15 – 17:30 Fr Ján Ďačok, Slovakia, Care for our Common House, Biopolitics and Theologic-Moral Reflection
17:30- 17:45 Fr. Viktor Yaremak, OSBM, Ivan Luts, Ukraine, Re-establishment of the Principle of Human Dignity and Resumption of Church Teaching in Post-Soviet and Post-socialist Reality, as Experienced in Ukraine
17:45 – 18:00
Discussion
Parallel Sessions for MaterCare International, Dentists and Dental Surgeons, Pharmacists and Nurses
Small Hall 1: Health Care Based on a Pro-life Foundation
Chairperson: Bob Chazan, Poland
14:30 – 14:40
Introduction
14:40 – 14:55 Elvis Šeman, Australia, The Influence of Creighton, Billings and Sympto-thermal Methods in Australia
14:55 – 15:10 Mirjana Radan, Croatia, Surrogate Motherhood- ̶ -Manipulated Parenthood
15:10 – 15:25 Žarko Šperanda, Croatia, Dissociation of Sexuality and Reproduction
15:25 – 15:40
Discussion
15:40 – 16:00
Coffee break
What does Catholic Maternal Health Care Looks Like? MaterCare
Chairperson: Elvis Šeman, Australia
16:00 – 16:10 Introduction
16:10 – 16:25 Robert Walley, Canada, Its Formation and Purpose in The Care of Mothers and Babies.
16:40 – 16:45 Robert Walley, Canada, In the Developing World – Project Isiolo.
16:45 – 17:00 Joseph Hassan and Cushla Hassan, New Zealand,First do no harm: Christian Hippocratic General Practice in New Zealand, offering fertility education and a free Crisis Pregnancy Service.
17:00 – 17:15 B. Chazan, Poland, In Europe
17:15 – 17:30 E. Šeman, Australia, In Australasia
17:30 – 17.45 Oliviero Gorrieri, Italia, ADO assistenza Domiciliare Odontoiatrica
Discussion
Small Hall 2: Ethical Challenges in Dental Medicine
16:45 – 17:00 Pavel Kobler, Croatia, Is there a need to always use dental implants?
17:00 – 17:15 Jasna Leko, Croatia, Dental Medicine in Palliative Care
17:15 – 17:30 Žarko Udiljak, Croatia, Ethics and Esthetics in Dental Practice
Small Hall 3: Ethical Challenges in Biochemistry and Pharmacology
16:45 – 17:00 Jadranka Sertić, Diagnostic Procedures in Laboratories Precision Medicine and Cost Benefit Reality
17:15 – 17:30 Helena Glasova, Slovakia, Ethics in Clinical Research and Drug Reimbursement
17:30-17:45 Robert Likić, Croatia, Ethical Conduct of Clinical Trials
17:45 – 18:00
Discussion
Small Hall 4: Palliative Care
16:15 – 16:30 Ingrid Prkačin, Croatia, Palliative Care in the Emergency Service
16:30 – 16:45 Željko Krznarić, Croatia, Enteral Nutrition in Adults
16:45 – 17:00 Jasminka Stepan, Croatia, Palliative Care in Children
17:00 – 17:15 Morana Brkljačić, Croatia, Ethical Aspects of Palliative Care
17:15 – 17:30 Lidija Fumić Dunkić, Croatia, Palliative Care – New Approach
17:30 – 18:00
Discussion
20:00 – 22:00
Gala Dinner, Westin Hotel
Saturday, June 2, 2018
07:00 – 07:30 Holy Mass, The Westin Hotel
08:00 – 08:30 Keynote Address VII:
- Delmonico, USA, Organ Trafficking
09:15 – 09:30 Mirela Bušić, Croatia, Organ Donation
Scientific Session VI
Round Table Discussion: Salvifici Doloris, Pain, Suffering and Palliative Care – Christian Compassion: avoiding the False Promise of the Culture of Death (Speakers from the different regions of FIAMC invited)
08:45 – 08:55 B. Galichon, France, European Experience
08:55– 09:05 Fr David Garcia, Singapore, Asian Experience
09:05 – 09:15 Oceania Experience
09:15 – 09:25 African Experience
09.25 – 09.35 George Isajiw, USA, North American Experience breakout session on palliative care
09:35 – 09:45 Latin American Experience
09:45 – 10:05 Francois Blin, FIAMC, FEAMC – Past and Future
10:05 – 10:45 Ethical, Professional and Legal Regulations in Medical Practice – Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide. Implications of World Medical Association proposed changes of therapeutic abortion and abrogation of conscientious objections. What can FIAMC and the national associations do? (Speakers from all VI Regions of FIAMC) – AFCMA (Peter Au Yeong, Hong Kong)
Parallel Sessions: Program for Nurses, Priests and Volunteers
8:30 – 9:30
Small Hall 1: Workshop for Nurses
08:30 – 09:00 Janet Muchengwa, United Kingdom, Role of CICIAMS as a Catholic Nurses’ Association in today’s world
09:00 – 09:15 Role of nurses in Palliative Care and Protection of Life
Small Hall 2: Workshop for Priests and Religious – Role of Religious in Palliative Care and Protection of Life
Small Hall 3: Workshop for Volunteers – Role of Volunteers in Palliative Care and Protection of Life
10:45 – 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:00 Conclusions of the Congress & Closing Ceremony
Post-Congress Program
13.00 – 18:00
Visit to Sanctuary Marija Bistrica, Holy Mass
Post Congress Program for Students and Young Physicians Pedro Spinelli, Brazil
13.00 – 13:50 Round Table Discussion: How to affirm the Culture of Life (Youth Section, CCMS: Periša Sekondo, Ivo Džeba, Mate Žaja, Boris Jozić, Đuliano Trdić)13:50 – 14:00 Discussions
14.00 – 15.00 Workshops:
Small Hall 1: Solidarity, Subsidiarity, and Volunteering (Youth Section, CCMS):
14:00 – 14:10 Ivan Novak, Croatia, Survey: Volunteering among medical students and young physicians
14:10 – 14:50 Jakov Milić, Croatia, Salvifici Doloris – Redemptive Suffering According to st. John Paul II
14:50 – 14:50 Discussions
Small Hall 2: Boris Ujević, Lea Potočar, Croatia, FEMM – Healthcare for women
Small Hall 3 : Andreja Kotnik, Croatia, World Youth Alliance – HDC, Human Dignity Curriculum
Small Hall 4 : Katarina Mamić, Croatia, World Youth Alliance – Interactive workshop: Right to life and international treaties
15:30 – 17:30 Sightseeing of Zagreb
18:00 – 19:00 Holy Mass for Students and Young Physicians (St. Mark’s Church, Zagreb, Upper Town of Zagreb)
19:15 – 22:00 Presentation of Students and Young Physicians Activities, Meeting with cocktail, Music program Klapa „Euterpa“ (Praška street 6/II, Zagreb)
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Post Congress Program for Students and Young Physicians
09:30 – 10:30 Coffee Meeting, Ban Jelačić Square
11.00 – 12.00 Holy Mass, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zagreb (Palmotićeva street 33)
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch, Restaurant (location to be announced later)*
15.00 Recreational Program, Maksimir Park
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Dr. John Lee, FIAMC President
Co-Chairperson
Dr. George Isajiw
Prof Jasenka Markeljevic MD, PhD
FIAMC Executive Committee
Prof. Bernard Ars, MD, PhD
Dr. Franco Balzaretti
Dr. François Blin
Dr. Paul Braaton
Dr. Bogdan Chazan
Dr. Tamás Csáky-Pallavicini
Dr. Vincenzo Defilippis
Dr. Gian Luigi Gigli
Dr. Lukas Jusuf
Dr. Shigeyuki Kano
Prof. Young Jin Ko
Dr. John I. Lane
Dr. Freddie Loh
Dr. Evariste Likinda
Dr. Maria Inez Linhares
Dr. José Clemente Díaz Maqueo
Dr. Kevin Murrell
Dr. Alejandro Nolazco
Dr. Anne Nolte
Dr. Walter Osswald
Dr. Martin Owen
Dr. Ermanno Pavesi
Prof Ana Planinc-Peraica, MD, PhD
Dr. Manuel Po
Dr. Hyacinthe Rajaona
Dr. Fabian Romano
Dr. Marc von Rotz
Dr. Elvis Seman
Msgr. Jacques Suaudeau
Dr. José María Simón Castellví
Silvija Vasilj
Dr. Niklaus Waldis
Dr. Robert Walley
Dr. Henrietta Williams
Local Organizing Committee
President: Prof Jasenka Markeljević, MD, PhD
Honorary President: Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Archbishop of Zagreb
CCMS Board and other members
Prof. Ana Planinc-Peraica, MD,PhD, CCMS President
Prof. Neda Aberle, MD, PhD
Marija Benković, mag. pharm.
Miroslav Bojić, MD
Assist. prof. Morana Brkljačić, MD, PhD
Danijela De Micheli Vitturi, MD
Assist. prof. Edvard Galic, MD, PhD
Tihomir Gojmerac, MD
Assist. prof. Natalia Kucic, MD,PhD
Prof. Jasenka Markeljević, MD, PhD
Anton Marović, MD, PhD
Jure Murgić, MD, PhD
Maja Peraica, MD, PhD
Matea Pešorda, MD
Prof. Ingrid Prkačin, MD, PhD
Danijela Rupčić, dipl. iur., PhD
Mirjana Radan, MD, PhD
Davorka Rosić, MD
Prof. Jadranka Sertić, PhD
Mr. sc. Žarko Udiljak, MD dent.
Romano Vrabec, MD, PhD
Prof. Marija Žagar, MD, PhD, CCMS ex President
Ivan Pavao Gradiški, MD, secretary
CCMS members – Youth Section
Mateja Šegović, MD, Youth Section President
Jakov Milić, MD, theology student
Katarina Mamić, medical student
Ivan Novak, medical student
Marija Novosel, MD
Matea Pešorda, MD
Periša Sekondo, MD
Barbara Tomić, MD
Luka Poslon, student Secretary
Honorary Committee Professor
Msgr. Valentin Pozaić, PhD., Eclestical Assist. of CCMS and FEAMC,
Faculty of Phylosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb
Prof. Niko Zurak MD, PhD., Pontifical Academy for Life, ex member
Academician Željko Reiner
Academician Davor Miličić
Prof. Damir Boras, MD, PhD, Rector, University of Zagreb
Prof. Hrvoje Brkić, MD, PhD, Dean, School of Dental Medicine, University. of Zagreb
Prof. Damir Ježek, MD, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Food and Biotechnology, University. of Zagreb
Prof.dr.sc. Mario Cifrak, Dean, Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb
Prof.dr.sc. Stjepan Baloban, Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb
Prof.dr.sc. Tonči Matulić, Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb
Prof. Ivan Koprek, MD, PhD, Dean, Faculty of Phylosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb
Prof. Anto Gavrić, MD,PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty of Phylosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb
Prof. Ivan Šestak, MD, PhD, Vice Dean, Faculty of Phylosophy and Religious Studies, University of Zagreb
Prof Željko Krznarić, MD, PhD, President, Croatia Medical Association
Ljiljana Mayer,MD, PhD, President – Chor of Dentist
Franjo Turalija, MD, CCMS ex President
Prof. Kajo Bućan, MD, PhD
s. Jelena Lončar, Director of Charity, dipl. theologian, dipl. social working
Media relations
Davorka Gašparović, Bacc. Bioethics
The Croatian Catholic Medical Society
The Croatian Catholic Medical Society (HKLD – Hrvatsko katoličko liječničko društvo) is a catholic professional non-governmental organization, which brings together medical doctors, doctors of dentistry, pharmacists, magisters of medical biochemistry and other highly educated Croatian health workers.
Member of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (F.I.A.M.C. – “Fédération Internationale des Associations Médicales Catholiques”).
History
The CCMS was founded on 16 February 1991 as a secular and religious organization under the wing of the Catholic church gathering medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists and other highly educated members of the health service in order to promote catholic beliefs in the health protection of the community and in preserving human life from conception to natural death. About that same time Croatia came under attack, so the members of CCMS from the very beginning of war organized first aid courses and assistance to refugees.
The society was founded in the great hall of the Jesuit residence in Palmotićeva street that was too small to accommodate all those who were interested, since the gathering was attended by more than 200 participant doctors from 30 cities. The Archbishop at the time, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić was in attendance as well, and Dr Margarita Peraica was elected as president. After founding the society, which has gathered great interest from other physicians as well as other highly educated employees of the health sector, President Ana Planinc-Peraica pointed out that the mission of the society is to witness in professional life the catholic principles and to express their views in ethical dilemmas that could arise in various situations.
These principles, members of the CCMS, would like to witness in both their personal life and professional activities; as stated in the society’s charter, in accomplishing these goals, members are acting in the following areas: encouraging ethical, moral, health and professional training of its members by the demands of time and teachings of the Catholic church; incorporates Christian values into the health sector that he bears witness to by personal example, nourishes the spirit of true service and respect for human life in dealing with an ill person, takes a stand for the application of the best and most reasonable practices in taking care of one’s health, prevention and recognition and treatment of disease along with recovery of the patient, cares about the dignity of physicians and employees of the health sector as well as proper and safe working conditions in their calling; serving with his expertise to the magisterium of the Church, promotes the Catholic moral and ethical attitudes in medical science and practice.
HIGH AUSPICES AND PATRONS
HIGH AUSPICE
President of the Republic of Croatia
Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović
POKROVITELJI
Gradonacelnik grada Zagreba
Milan Bandić
- Grad Zagreb
- Ured za zdravstvo grada Zagreba
- Turistička zajednica grada Zagreba
- Skupština grada Zagreba
- Županija grada Zagreba
- Ministarstvo zdravstva RH
- Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Medicinski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Stomatoloski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Farmaceutsko biokemijski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Prehrambeno biotehnološki fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Katoličko bogoslovni fakultet, Svečiilište u Zagrebu
- Fakultet filozofije i religijskih znanosti, Sveučilište u Zagrebu
- Hrvatska liječnička komora
- Hrvatski liječnički zbor
- Hrvatska komora medicinskih biokemičara
- Hrvatska komora dentalne medicine
- World Youth Alliance-Croatia
Conclusions
In this concluding document, while it is impossible to report on all of the many topics related to the above objectives which were successfully presented and discussed at this Congress consisting of physicians, clergy, allied health professionals, and students of the various medical disciplines, we can nevertheless distill several most significant themes represented in the following resolutions:
1. Sanctity of Life
Resolved, that we, Catholic physicians and allied health care professionals, in our daily encounter with our patients, recognize that the dignity of life derives from the sanctity of life as revealed through the teachings of the Church contained in the various Papal Encyclicals, especially in the last 50 years beginning with Humanae Vitae through the more recent Laudato Si, and be it further
Resolved, that recognizing the sanctity of life must inform our clinical practice and medical moral decisions to include the inviolable relationship between our patients and God, over and beyond the principles of patient autonomy and individual freedom alone.
2. Humanae Vitae
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and allied health care professionals recognize the prophetic nature of the encyclical Humanae Vitae on the 50th anniversary of its publication, and be it further
Resolved, that we recognize our obligation to help our patients repair and avoid the dangerous consequences predicted by Pope Paul VI through continued and expanded promotion of natural family planning, and by recognizing the sanctity of the procreative powers given to mankind through the gift of sexual intercourse by protecting marriage as the permanent union in true love between one man and one woman.
3. Contraceptive Steroids
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and allied health professionals have an obligation to educate our patients and our society at large about the environmentally harmful effects of contraceptive sterols, be they excreted through the normal processes of human elimination or by contaminating our water supply by discarded excess un-ingested drugs.
4. Rights of parents and guardians
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and allied health professionals condemn the usurpation of medical moral decision making from parents and other patient guardians by medical and legal authorities, whether it be through the implementation of so called futility policies, declaration of brain death criteria, or by court action, and be it further
Resolved, that medical decision making, especially involving discontinuation of treatment, should seek the consent of the legal guardian of the patient, especially respecting the rights of parents in the case of minor children, and the right to a second opinion as well as transfer to an institution willing to accept the patient should be recognized.
5 . The Church and the provision of health care
Resolved, that provision of medical care for those in need should be a priority of the pastoral care programs of the Catholic Church, with the participation of the laity who are competent to provide for such health care needs.
6. Nutrition and hydration in palliative care
Resolved, that all Catholic palliative care programs must respect the teachings of the Magisterium through the Papal encyclicals, especially the writings of Saint John Paul II and the pronouncements of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith over the past 50 years, concerning the obligatory provision of proportional care, including food and water, even if administered by artificial means, as long as it fulfills its intended purpose of providing nutrition and hydration and would otherwise be the cause of death if withdrawn.
7. Principle of double effect in palliative care
Resolved, that we, Catholic physicians and allied health care professionals call upon our Holy Mother Church to offer better education to health care professionals concerning proper understanding and clinical utilization of the principle of double effect, in order to end and avoid both intended and inadvertent abuses of this principle evident among some Catholic palliative care providers.
8. Human organ trafficking
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and health care professionals support the position of the Holy See and other international organizations, based on the principle of the sanctity of human life, that the human body and its parts are not for sale or profit, and be it further
Resolved, that trafficking in human organs and tissue for monetary gain must be condemned and prosecuted under national and international laws, in order to protect vulnerable donors, both voluntary and coerced, and to forbid obtaining organs from prisoners including those who are legally executed for capital crimes.
9. Religious freedom in health care
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and allied health care professionals, as well as Catholic institutions, who jointly represent the largest health care system of care for the sick, the poor and the vulnerable throughout the world, must be given the freedom by governments and other health care regulating agencies to practice scientific medicine without compromising our Faith, based on the sanctity of human life, without legal or financial restrictions.
10. Provision of charitable health care encouraged by Pope Francis
Resolved, that FIAMC encourages and supports their member organizations in their charitable and missionary endeavors throughout the world, and be it further
Resolved, that we Catholic physicians and health care professionals, responding to the consistent exhortations of the Holy Fathers throughout the past 50 years, especially our current Holy Father Pope Francis, should expand and multiply our charitable, pro bono work in helping the sick , the poor, and the vulnerable throughout world, even if it requires stepping out of our comfort zones and making financial and personal sacrifices.
Signed by Dr. John Lee , president of the Congress, and co-chairs Dr. Jasenka Markeljevic and Dr. George Isajiw
