With modern neonatal technology and under federal law, doctors can keep alive tiny premature babies, even if the babies’ parents want to let them die. But often those babies survive to grow up significantly damaged and in pain. Should they be kept alive? Who should decide? More →

October 22, 1999

As death approaches, hospice care can impose a heavy burden, with great responsibilities on families. Palliative care is a method of treatment for terminally ill patients and their families that provides them with hospice-like care in a hospital. More →

July 9, 1999

  BOB ABERNETHY: Now, the greening of religion. Many of us probably overlooked this year’s observance of Earth Day last Thursday, the day set aside for reaffirming a commitment to protecting the environment. Not so for many churches, mosques, and … More →

April 23, 1999

November 27, 1998

The House is preparing to vote on a bill that could severely curb a doctor’s ability to prescribe lethal drugs for the purpose of suicide. That ability is at the heart of the Oregon law that went into effect last fall. At age 35, Brian Lovell was diagnosed with colon cancer and was given six months to live. Now, he is ready to use Oregon’s Death with Dignity law. More →

September 18, 1998

As we cover the abuse of relationships between pastoral counselors and those who came to them seeking guidance and comfort, we hear personal tales of the sexual relationship that can develop between some clergymen and women in their congregations. This is a complex world in which the male pastor is often found guilty of abusing his power and the woman is usually, but not always, the victim. More →

June 19, 1998

  BOB ABERNETHY: Now a profile of a perceptive, gregarious, devoted, and down-to-earth writer and editor from Tennessee. Who can resist the woman named Phyllis Tickle? ABERNETHY: Phyllis Tickle lives intensely. Ms. TICKLE: Marvelous. Okay, give me his name. PHYLLIS … More →

October 3, 1997