Ethical Questions

How do you deal with moral and ethical questions?

If medical or ethical questions arise, we consult the moral teachings of the Catholic Church to determine which medical or moral principles deal with the issue.  This consultation continues with other experts on the subject.  Finally, we use the experiences of other physicians at the Tepeyac Family Center, and prayer that avils oneself to the power of the Holy Spirit in these most critical medical situations.

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General Womens' Health

Do you have any recommendations for women suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?

In a nutshell, the recommended strategies for tackling PCOS include:

• Exercise -- increases insulin sensitivity and fights insulin resistance, which is a root cause of PCOS.
• Avoiding specific foods and eating habits that rapidly elevate blood glucose levels -- which means following a low-glycemic index diet to control blood sugar levels.   Often patients with PCOS also have problems with insulin resistance.  Protein Power and Atkins are in the same good realm for diets because for the woman with PCOS, carbohydrates can be silent killers.
• Considering supplements that increase insulin sensitivity.  Supplements that help with insulin sensitivity are: chromium picolinate 400mcg; magnesium 1000 mg; vanadium 30mg; and flax oil 1-6 grams (all per day).
• Also, book we would recommend is Marilyn Shannon's "Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition," which is available on Amazon.com or from the Couple to Couple League, www.ccli.org

Obviously the individual patient's circumstances are important and she should consult with her doctor, but this should get you started.

Family Planning Questions

Do you encourage Natural Family Planning?

We encourage the study of NFP for any woman who wants to become more familiar and cooperative with the hormonal language of her body.  We encourage married couples to make virtuous decisions concerning the application of NFP in postponing pregnancy.

How can you help patients with NFP Questions?

We are capable of counseling on matters related to NFP, fertility, and infertility. Most NFP teachers in this area are well-qualified to answer many technical questions on the subject.  On the other hand, they are generally not physicians.  For questions beyond the scope of an NFP teacher, contact us for assistance.  The best way to do so is to email or fax your charts to us with a written description of the problem.  Our fax number is (703) 273-9445 and email is info@tepeyacfamilycenter.com

Do you teach NFP Classes?

Although the doctors do not teach the classes, there are NFP classes held periodically at our office in Fairfax.  Please see the NFP page for information about any upcoming class series.

Does NFP work for irregular cycles?

Although a woman’s cycles may be irregular, she and her husband can make decisions regarding responsible parenthood based on the fertility symptoms she is experiencing in any given month.

Is there a specific book that you would recommend on Natural Family Planning that gives details on tracking your cycle, etc.?

The most comprehensive book is "The Art of Natural Family Planning" published by the Couple to Couple League.  You can follow it to figure out how to chart, but you should find a class to take.  If none are nearby, you can sign up for the home study course - you get the added bonus of someone being able to help you if you have any questions.

Can you help couples who are having trouble interpreting their signs of fertility?

Yes, but we ask the couple to first go to their NFP teacher(s) as the first course of action.  If they cannot help, or if there is a medical issue at hand, please contact us.

Are there moral ways of creating life outside the womb?

Some couples have limited or no fertility.  We work with these couples (within nature) to assist them to conceive a child through sexual intercourse.  We do not counsel or encourage unnatural means of conception, e.g. in vitro fertilization.

Do you encourage adoption?

We encourage the adoption of children as an act of kindness and generosity on the part of parents if the circumstances warrant.  Embryo adoption can be an option under certain circumstances.

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Contraception

My wife takes an oral contraceptive.  How does the Pill work?  I am concerned that she could still conceive a child, and that the baby would not be able to implant in her uterus.  Should I insist that we abstain from relations during certain times of the month to ensure that she does not conceive?

The pill is made of two components, an estrogen and a progesterone, and works in three ways.  Its primary function is to decrease or prevent ovulation through the action of the estrogen portion. Most of the time it is effective in doing so, though in 10-12% of cases ovulation will still occur. In this case, the progesterone portion of the pill serves as a back-up. It a) thickens cervical mucous to prevent conception and b) thins the endometrial lining to prevent implantation of an embryo should the egg be fertilized through sexual intercourse. In the latter case it serves to cause an early abortion. It is important to note that ovulation occurs and implantation is prevented in only about 1/100,000 cases. However, we know that you don’t want to be that one. 

It is also important to note that this is all assuming perfect use of the pill – meaning that your wife takes the pill every day, without missing any doses, and at the same time of the day. Perfect use rarely happens due to our human nature. Imperfect use of the pill is harder to predict.  We appreciate your sincerity and desire to live out your faith.

 

Can a physician morally prescribe a contraceptive pill to ease heavy menstrual periods?

The first principle is that the birht control pill is neither moral nor immoral -- the problem is related to what is done with it, and what is done as a result of it. 

The physician can morally treat the patient for a medical condition which is particularly acute.  Additionally, just as a physician warns patients not to mix certain medication or activities with medications (such as piloting an aircraft when on certain medications), he should also warn the patient that she should not be engaged in sexual intercourse because of the consequences of such actions on her well-being along with the possibility of aborting a newly-conceived child. 

The physician should begin working now on how to approach these questions in a convincing way that doesn't lecture, but discuss; doesn't demand, but explain!  Remember, a physician's job is to practice good medicine. Since he is practicing it on a human being, the situation is more that just being about her menstruation - he has an opportunity to talk about her whole person:  body/soul composite.

 

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Abortion

I have a friend who has recently had an abortion.  What should I do?

It is important to listen to your friend from your heart.  It is important that she can trust you not to judge her or condemn her.  Assure her of your love and support.  You can also offer her the name and phone number of the local Project Rachel.  A list of all Project Rachel offices in the US may be found at: www.marquette.edu/rachel.  In the Arlington Catholic Diocese, the telephone number of Project Rachel is 1-888-456-HOPE or 703-841-2504 or you can email projectrachel@arlingtondiocese.org .

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Pregnancy Questions

Please see the Pregnancy Information page.

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Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program

What is the Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program (KAPHP)?

Named in loving memory of Kristen Anderson after her fatal auto accident in July of 2004, the KAPHP is a special program of the Tepeyac Family Center designed to provide medical, emotional, and spiritual comfort to pregnant women and their families after being told that the child that she is carrying could have a lethal anomaly.

Who is the KAPHP for?
The KAPHP is for any pregnant mom who is carrying a baby who has been diagnosed as having a lethal anomaly. Of course, her family is also welcomed to participate.

Why do we have it?
Carrying a child who has received an adverse diagnosis is a heavy cross to bear, but that child is still growing anticipating the day when he/she will be free of the warm tummy of Mom and out into the world. Just because there may be little hope for a "normal" life, the child is still a gift and needs the nourishment and encouragement throughout his/her life regardless of how long that life may be. As Mom and her family suffers through the anticipated future, the KAPHP offers prayerful hope that the life of the child living in her womb is not for naught, but has a purpose and value.

How does the KAPHP work?
Contact us as (703) 273-9440 or email at info@tepeyacfamilycenter.com. We will schedule a consultation, determine your needs and provide you with the resources that you need to provide a comforting home for your young child through the remainder of the pregnancy and then after the delivery. In cooperation with Capital Hospice, we provide a multidisciplinary approach to coordinate and communicate the needs of the family in the medical, spiritual, and emotional setting.

What is the alternative?
Some think that we can control death by terminating the pregnancy, the aborting of the life is an attempt to eliminate the suffering. We have found that the exact opposite to be true. The suffering remains.

How can I direct donations to the KAPHP?

Donations may be made to Divine Mercy Care by cash, check, or credit card and are fully tax-deductible.  At that time, be sure to ask that the donation is directed towards the KAPHP.  For more information about donations, please call Divine Mercy Care at 703-934-5552.  Thank you for your consideration and generosity.

If you have lost a child and are interested in having donations made in lieu of flowers, you may ask to include the following in an obituary or funeral announcement:

"In lieu of flowers, the (insert last name of family here) family requests that a tax deductible donation be made to Divine Mercy Care.  In the memo of the check, please write 'For the Kristen Anderson Perinatal Hospice Program (KAPHP).'"

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Business & Non-Profit Fundraising Questions

What is Divine Mercy Care?

Divine Mercy Care (DMC) is a pro-life 501(c)3 non-profit financial organization founded on the Jubilee Day for Life, October 1st 2000.  DMC has the mission of changing hearts through health care while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church, serving the poor, and practicing excellent medicine.  For more information, the website is:  www.divinemercycare.org.

What is the relationship between Divine Mercy Care and the Tepeyac Family Center?

DMC is currently located near Tepeyac Family Center in Fairfax, VA.  At this time, TFC is the sole operating entity under DMC.  Plans are being developed at this time to expand medical services within DMC in the near future.

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