AMA Journal of Ethics theme editor Subha Perni, MD, a recent graduate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, interviewed Elizabeth Epstein, PhD, RN, about strategies for understanding and address moral distress in clinical settings.

In clinical settings, chaplains are key communicators who help mediate between patients, families, and the medical team. This month on Ethics Talk, we explore how chaplains help patients and families articulate their goals and navigate logistical and emotional challenges that arise in the hospital.

Dr Veronica Hutchison joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Eve Espey: “How Should IUD Placement Pain Be Described and Managed?”

Dr Suzanne Minor joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Arianna Tapia and Dr Sarah E. Stumbar: “Abortion in the Nineteenth Century Through the Lens of Ann Lohman.”

Teddie Bernard joins Ethics Talk to discuss their cartoon: Childless by Choice.

Drs Pringl Miller, Preeti John, and Sabha Ganai join Ethics Talk to discuss their article: “How Should Surgical Palliative Success Be Defined?”

Dr Mónica Lalanda joins Ethics Talk to discuss her comic: “There’s No Heartbeat.”

Dr Olivia Kates talks about appropriate use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the patient delivers a low-birth-weight infant that requires extensive time in the neonatal intensive, should she be held responsible? Where do we draw the line? More importantly, on what basis do we draw the line?

Direct sterilization by means of tubal ligation is morally unacceptable in Catholic bioethics but other procedures that result in indirect sterilization may be acceptable under certain conditions.