The latest Catholic short course produced by Ave Maria University addresses prenatal diagnosis and end-of-life care 

AVE MARIA, Fla., Feb. 22, 2024 – The wildly popular “The Pursuit of Wisdom” series of free online courses presented by the faculty of Ave Maria University returns with a new course, “Catholic Bioethics: Current Issues,” which provides a clear and compassionate understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church on how to handle issues, such as prenatal diagnosis and end-of-life care. The course, taught by Dr. DiAnn Ecret, associate professor of nursing at Ave Maria University, delves into the essence of what it means to embody Christ’s compassion, particularly in caring for the vulnerable and sick.

Artfully combining insights from her 30-year nursing and healthcare career, Dr. Ecret tackles the vital concern of moral decision-making in an increasingly secularized nursing landscape, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Gospel. Her course helps those interested in staying informed about the euphemisms and approaches used in secular healthcare to try to dismantle the Catholic response to bioethical issues.

Dr. Ecret teaches undergraduate nursing at Ave Maria University, and is a part-time nurse ethicist at the National Catholic Bioethics Center. She also serves as a consultant for multiple programs supporting the dignity of human life, encompassing prenatal to end-of-life care. Dr. Ecret holds graduate degrees in nursing, theology and healthcare ethics from Wilmington University, Villanova University, and Duquesne University. She has been married to her husband, Michael, for 35 years, and they are blessed with four children and four beautiful grandchildren.

“Catholic Bioethics,” and all “The Pursuit of Wisdom” courses, can be accessed via https://thepursuitofwisdom.org and the free “Pursuit of Wisdom” app, available to download on major podcasting platforms, such as the App Store, and coming soon on Google Play.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. DiAnn Ecret, please contact Kevin Wandra of Carmel Communications: kwandra@carmelcommunications.com or 404-788-1276.  

About Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University is a Catholic institution of higher learning located in Ave Maria, Florida. Ave Maria University was established in 2003 as a Catholic university, according to the guidelines of the Code of Canon Law by the Most Rev. Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. The recognition of Ave Maria University as a Catholic University is granted upon the university’s commitment to continue to be guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church and faithfulness to the apostolic constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae. Ave Maria University is committed to helping its students develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life and grow in their appreciation of truth. The goal of AMU is simple: to build the foundation of a truly Catholic university that forms future generations of truly Catholic men and women faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. For more information about Ave Maria University, please visit www.avemaria.edu.