Matercare International in association with the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC) have announced that their 8th International Conference will be held on the August 31st - September 4th, 2011, at the Istituto Maria SS Bambina, in Rome. The Conference title this year is “The Dignity of Mothers and Obstetricians – who on Earth Cares!”,
Photo shows Dr Robert Walley of Matercare
The agenda for the conference sets out the following
MOTHERHOOD. To appreciate the importance of motherhood in our contemporary world at least four complementary approaches must be envisaged by those in whose professional expertise this responsibility lies.
FIRSTLY, the Catholic Obstetrician must be medically COMPETENT, skilled in all that concerns matters obstetrical and gynecological. This not only involves being informed professionally in all the skills associated in helping mothers medically. Legal, and social aspects are a fundamental part of the doctor's remit.
SECONDLY, the Catholic doctor must have the CONVICTION that Catholic teaching on ethics, magisterially guided, is not only true but totally beneficial for the patients requiring medical assistance within the scope of his or her competency.
THIRDLY, this involves the doctor's appreciation of the nature of society at large and of each particular local COMMUNITY within it. Motherhood is foundational for the flourishing of every society, and for every individual community which is a constituent part of that society.
FOURTHLY, the doctor must appreciate that motherhood is so fundamental to human existence that profound COMPASSION is necessary. This involves compassion for all mothers and families, believers or not, who suffer to beget and bring up their children.
The Conference is being held under the Patronage of The Pontifical Academy for Life and The Pontifical Council for Health Pastoral Care.
