The OBservations Podcast

What happens when a respected physician publicly shares a pro-life conviction?  In this episode of OBservations , host and AAPLOG Chair Dr. Susan Bane sits down with Dr. Hector Chapa to discuss his journey to becoming an OB-GYN, his rise to leadership within the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the moment he realized he could no longer stay silent.  After years of pr...

In this special episode of OBservations , Dr. Christina Francis steps out of the interviewer’s seat and into the hot seat as she’s interviewed by her friend and fellow pro-life advocate, Monica Snyder, Executive Director of Secular Pro-Life.  Monica and Dr. Francis tackle a growing trend in media coverage: the conflation of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy treatment with induced abortion. Togethe...

Most medical schools today are quietly, and sometimes openly, censoring pro-life voices and shaping future doctors with a biased narrative. Dr. Aaron Kheriarty, a psychiatrist and renowned ethicist, exposes how ideology is increasingly replacing merit in medical admissions, and why the silence around abortion’s mental health impact is costing women long-term harm.  In this eye-opening episode with...

This week’s episode is a rapid response to the troubling story that quickly spread across X (formerly Twitter). YouTuber and social media influencer Jesse Ridgeway publicly shared that he and his wife aborted their child, who had been diagnosed with Down syndrome, at approximately 21 weeks. He went on to defend the decision in a lengthy, detailed post, one that sparked significant backlash, partic...

Most people assume effective pro-life activism requires big national efforts or dramatic moments. David Bereit’s story proves that life-changing impact often begins with a single step: prayer, community, and a courageous heart.   Dr. Christina Francis and David Bereit discuss the power of living out pro-life convictions in healthcare, the vital role of medical professionals in shifting cultural pe...

Most people still believe that feelings are the ultimate guide to truth, but what if trusting emotions is actually leading us astray?   In this powerful keynote address at MBEC 2026, philosopher and public thinker Professor Robert George joins Dr. Susan Bane and exposes how the modern age has shifted from faith and reason to feelings as the central source of morality, and why that shift threatens...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. John Thorp, a revered OB-GYN and educator whose work has shaped obstetrics globally. Discover how his research, mentorship, and faith influence his practice and vision for the future of medicine. Plus  Key topics:  Dr. Thorp's journey from North Carolina roots to leading OB-GYN research and practice  The history and evolution of childbirth medic...

Today, we’re talking about an exciting project that we, along with EveryLife, launched this month - ReThink Pregnancy.   AAPLOG and EveryLife have partnered together on this campaign to challenge a narrative our culture has been telling women for decades—that pregnancy is something to fear, something that diminishes women, or harms their bodies.   But that story is not only manipulative and harmfu...

Are men really being heard in discussions about abortion?  It's time we dive deep into this overlooked role.  In our latest conversation, Brandy Meeks, President of Vitae Foundation, discusses Vitae Foundation’s newest research on how to communicate with men about abortion. In this episode, Dr. Susan Bane and Brandy explore the critical role of men in the abortion decision-making process, hig...

In this episode, Dr. Christina Francis discusses one of the most significant breakthroughs since the Dobbs decision, which is the groundbreaking Fifth Circuit decision to pause mail-in abortion drugs. Joining her to discuss all the intricacies and the fight ahead is  Alliance Defending Freedom’s Erik Baptist and pro-life advocate Elizabeth Gillette. We explore how recent court decisions could impa...

Most women, including Gen Z, don't realize how dangerous the abortion pill truly is physically and emotionally. Rachel Owen, CEO of Infinite Worth, reveals how a simple chat line is saving lives, exposing the dark side of online abortion access, and transforming care for women facing unplanned pregnancies.  In this eye-opening episode, you'll discover how Infinite Worth’s 24/7 nurse help...

In this episode, Dr. Christina Francis sits down with Dr. Jill Simons, pediatrician and Executive Director of the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds), to explore the importance of life‑affirming, evidence‑based healthcare for children beyond the womb. Their conversation examines the growing influence of gender ideology in pediatric medicine and the urgent need to respond with biologically g...

Meet Teresa Rincon, the VP of Clinical Services at PreBorn!, where they’re revolutionizing care in pregnancy centers across the U.S. by integrating telehealth with compassionate support and also a platinum sponsor at MBEC 2026.   From providing vital training and resources to connecting women with loving care, PreBorn! is bridging gaps in maternal health, especially in areas where clinics are scar...

In this special episode in honor of Doctor’s Day, we’re coming to you from AAPLOG’s annual MBEC conference with a powerful keynote from Dr. Christina Francis.  Dr. Francis takes us on a journey through the history of the Hippocratic Oath, a legacy that has guided physicians for centuries, and challenges physicians to consider what it truly means to uphold the ethical responsibility to do no harm....

In part two, Dr. Monique Ruberu dives into PCOS, offering insights into how it can be more accurately diagnosed and effectively treated. She also addresses the ethical and medical concerns surrounding IVF, birth control, IUDs, and other reproductive technologies.  You’ll also hear from one of our sponsors, Mary Szoch of the Family Research Council, who shares the organization’s work on human digni...

In recent years, many women have become increasingly proactive about their health, particularly when it comes to understanding their reproductive systems. This growing interest has brought attention to various methods of tracking menstrual cycles and fertility, one of which is Napro Technology . But what exactly is Napro Technology, and how does it differ from traditional approaches?   In our late...

In this episode, Jordan Butler sits down with Dr. Christina Francis to discuss AAPLOG’s recent and first ever OB GYN going undercover and ordering abortion pills.  Through an undercover investigation, she reveals the lack of safeguards in place, the risks associated with ordering these pills, and the potential dangers of ectopic pregnancies.   The conversation also touches on the emotional and phy...

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be a daunting experience for many women. With emotions running high, the decisions ahead can feel overwhelming. In this post, we delve into the important role of adoption as a viable option, particularly as shared by Terri Marcroft an adoptive mom and founder of Unplanned Good. In this episode, Dr. Susan Bane and Terri will explore the modern understanding of adop...

In this episode, Dr. Christina Francis sits down with Erik Baptist from Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) to discuss the vital role of ADF in protecting life and liberty. Erik shares insights into their ongoing legal battles against abortion pills and how pro-life doctors are essential in advocating for both mothers and their preborn children.    The misinformation surrounding pro-life laws can swa...

In part one of a two-part episode series of OBservations, Dr. Susan Bane welcomes back Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, MD, FAAP, IFMCP, a Senior Fellow in Pediatric Education and one of the most respected voices in integrative and functional pediatric medicine.  With several decades of clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Mumper has shaped the landscape of pediatric care through her work as creator of the...

In part one of a two-part episode series of Observations, Dr. Susan Bane welcomes an extraordinary guest: Dr. Elizabeth Mumper, MD, FAAP, IFMCP—a Senior Fellow in Pediatric Education and one of the most respected voices in integrative and functional pediatric medicine.  With several decades of clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Mumper has shaped the landscape of pediatric care through her work...

In AAPLOG's first episode of OBservations, Dr. Christina Francis speaks with Catherine Pressly Herring, a survivor of abortion pill poisoning, who shares her harrowing experience of being tricked into taking abortion pills by her then-husband. Catherine discusses the dangers of unregulated abortion pills, the impact of domestic violence, and the importance of medical oversight in abortion pro...

After two years of thoughtful conversations and curbside consults, Caring for Both comes to a close—making way for something new.  In this bittersweet final episode, we reflect on the heart and impact of the Caring for Both series while looking ahead to the future of women’s health conversations. Jordan Butler is joined by AAPLOG Chair and longtime series contributor Dr. Susan Bane to discuss the...

In this episode of Caring for Both: A Curbside Consult Series, Jordan Butler speaks with Dr. Catherine Wheeler, a former abortionist turned pro-life OB-GYN, about the current state of abortion laws in Colorado, the impact of the closure of a prominent abortion facility and the new one, RISE Collective, and the efforts of APLOG Colorado to advocate for women's health and safety. They discuss t...

In this episode of Caring for Both , a Curbside Consult Series by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG), Jordan Butler sits down with Dr. Christina Francis, CEO of AAPLOG, to discuss a critical letter recently sent to the FDA and HHS. The letter urges immediate review of mifepristone—the first drug in the two-pill regimen commonly used for chemical abortions...