Bernadette Mourra graduates from the Master in Global Bioethics

She is making significant contributions through education and advocacy, empowering women and fostering ethical awareness in the community.

Bernadette Mourra, a Palestinian native residing in Bethlehem, has recently graduated with a master's degree in Bioethics. As the only woman in her region to attain this specialized knowledge, Mrs. Mourra is already making significant contributions to her community through education and advocacy.

Applying Knowledge to Educate Future Generations

Since graduating, Mourra has dedicated herself to educating university students in Palestine, a region where bioethics is a relatively unknown field. “I have applied my knowledge in educating university students. In Palestine, very few persons acquire this knowledge, especially in my area,” Bernadette explained. “I am the only woman who acquired this knowledge and am trying to apply it by educating younger generations in the medical field at the University. The students have shown great interest in the subject, eager to learn more, which is very satisfying and enjoyable for me.”

Contributing to the Community

Mourra’s impact extends beyond the university. She also offers courses at the Al-Liqa Center for Religious Heritage and Cultural Studies in The Holy Land. “I am contributing in two ways; educating university students and giving courses at the Center where I work, educating women and instilling many values and ethics,” she noted. Her efforts are empowering women and fostering ethical awareness in the community.

Influential Projects During Master’s Studies

During her master's program, Mourra engaged in various impactful projects, one of which stands out for its relevance to her current work. “One important course I enjoyed and found very useful was on Bioethics, Sexuality, and Human Reproduction, comparing traditional/religious and secular liberal understandings regarding sexuality and procreation,” she shared. The topic's importance is magnified in a region with diverse religious beliefs and frequent conflicts between religious and secular ideologies.

Unique Aspects of the Bioethics Program

Mourra believes her master’s program is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to modern ethical dilemmas. “Bioethics is highly needed in our modern life in every aspect. In the medical field, for example, professionals often treat patients physically but lack the ethical communication and values necessary for their demanding roles. Ethics and values must be applied in every field to avoid chaos and disaster,” she emphasized.

Advocating for Bioethics Education

Mourra strongly recommends the master’s program in bioethics for its crucial role in shaping ethical leaders. “We need more advocates and regulators to help regulate this world with justice and peaceful methods. Bioethicists are like soldiers who defend and protect humanity and nature. They are the consciousness of the world, the mind, and the heart of it,” she stated passionately. Expressing her gratitude, Mourra thanked her professors for their dedication and support. “I thank and appreciate Dr. Girault and my respectful professors for their dedication and patience with us,” she concluded.

Bernadette Mourra’s achievements and ongoing contributions highlight the profound impact that specialized education in bioethics can have on both local and global communities. Her work in Bethlehem serves as an inspiring example of how knowledge and ethical values can drive positive change.