First Congress on Perinatal Bioethics

A space for academic reflection on bioethical dilemmas in motherhood, embryonic development, and assisted reproduction, with the participation of leading national and international experts.

The School of Bioethics at Anáhuac University Mexico organized the First Congress on Perinatal Bioethics, a highly relevant academic event held at the North Campus from March 18 to 22.

Aware of the importance of these spaces for the development of bioethics in Mexico, the conference aimed to disseminate specialized knowledge at the national and international levels, strengthen the capacities of those involved in decision-making, and promote greater awareness of the ethical dilemmas that arise during this fundamental stage of life.

For five days, experts and professionals gathered to analyze topics that directly impact life from conception to completion. The program included lectures, panels, and debates addressing crucial topics related to motherhood, embryonic development, and assisted reproduction.

Among the featured speakers were Dr. José Alberto Castilla Barajas, Father Fernando Fabó Martín, Dr. Margarita Otero Lamas, Dr. Liliana Castro Castillo, and Dr. María Elizabeth de los Ríos Uriarte, who represented the School of Bioethics and shared their knowledge and experience in various areas of the bioethical field.

Dr. María Elizabeth de los Ríos Uriarte, the School's research coordinator, participated with a presentation titled Anthropology: Who is the Human Person?, in which she invited the audience to reflect on the dignity of life from its earliest moments. The topic of Obstetric Violence was also addressed, highlighting the need to improve care for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Father Fernando Fabó Martín presented the Anthropology of Sexuality, exploring the human and ethical dimensions of this fundamental aspect of life. Dr. José Alberto Castilla Barajas analyzed Bioethical Dilemmas at the Beginning of Life, reflecting on the ethical issues that arise from conception and their impact on medicine and society, with special emphasis on assisted reproduction techniques.

The conference also addressed bioethics in the final stages of life. Dr. Margarita Otero Lamas presented Bioethical Dilemmas at the End of Life, focusing on the management of terminally ill patients with palliative care and the importance of communicating bad news with empathy. Meanwhile, Dr. Liliana Castro Castillo spoke on Professional Ethics, highlighting responsibility in medical practice and how decisions in this area have both positive and negative consequences.

With this conference, Anáhuac University Mexico reaffirms its commitment to bioethics education and reflection, promoting spaces for dialogue that allow physicians, researchers, and students to analyze current challenges in maternal and fetal health and other fundamental topics related to health ethics.