Why do miscarriages happen—and why do so many women feel dismissed when they do?
In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen talks with Dr. Geoffrey Cly, an OB-GYN known for his compassionate, research-based approach to women’s health. Together they discuss the often-overlooked realities of miscarriage, the emotional and spiritual toll it takes, and the need for deeper medical investigation into why these losses occur.
Dr. Cly shares his own journey into obstetrics, the advances in robotic surgery that are changing women’s healthcare, and the surprising genetic and hormonal factors—like MTHFR, progesterone deficiency, and clotting disorders—that often go undiagnosed in women experiencing pregnancy loss.
A powerful and deeply personal conversation about grief, hope, and the importance of physicians who are willing to ask why.
How do young Christians pursue marriage faithfully in a culture that discourages it?
In this second part of I Choose Life: News and Views with Rev. Michael and Katie Schuermann, Abigail Lorenzen continues the conversation about the Martin & Katie Conference—a gathering designed to help young adults build Christ-centered relationships and rediscover the beauty of godly marriage.
The Schuermanns discuss how faith shapes priorities, why our culture often values career over family, and how financial fears and social stigmas can keep people from pursuing marriage. They also reflect on practical wisdom—like the importance of learning real conversation skills, practicing hospitality, and embracing the growth that comes from struggle and shared purpose in marriage.
A thoughtful continuation of the discussion on faith, vocation, and the timeless value of covenant love.
How can young Christians find godly relationships in a culture that’s lost the art of courtship?
In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Rev. Michael and Katie Schuermann of University Lutheran Church in Champaign-Urbana to discuss their ministry to college students and the creation of the Martin & Katie Conference—a faith-based event designed to help young adults meet, learn, and build Christ-centered relationships.
The Schuermanns share what it’s like to pastor on a university campus, the challenges Christian students face in a secular environment, and how the Church can offer a faithful alternative to today’s dating culture. They also explore the role of mentorship, hospitality, and community in cultivating godly marriages that reflect Christ’s love for His Church.
A refreshing, hope-filled conversation about faith, vocation, and rediscovering the beauty of Christian courtship.
What makes a marriage truly godly?
In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen talks with Pastor Tim Pauls of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boise, Idaho, about the heart of godly marriage—and why it matters for a pro-life culture. Pastor Pauls unpacks what it means for marriage to be a covenant rather than a contract, how sacrificial love reflects Christ’s love for the Church, and why the vows we make before God and our community carry lifelong weight.
They also discuss the role of Christian fellowship in sustaining marriages, the balance between family and ministry, and how husbands and wives can serve one another with grace, even when love feels like hard work.
A thoughtful conversation about faith, commitment, and the sacred picture of Christ and His bride that godly marriage is meant to reflect.
What does it mean to face the end of life with dignity, faith, and peace?
In this episode of I Choose Life: News and Views, Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Dr. Eustace Fernandez, a pulmonary and critical care physician who brings more than two decades of experience and a deeply Christian perspective to the discussion on end-of-life care. Together, they explore when it’s moral to refuse treatment, how to discern between aggressive and comfort care, and what it means to “suffer well” in a culture that fears pain and loss.
Dr. Fernandez also reflects on his father’s legacy in medicine—how compassion, humility, and a respect for the human person can transform both the practice of medicine and the experience of dying.
It’s a thoughtful and heartfelt conversation about faith, medicine, and the enduring value of every human life.
Abigail is joined by Dr. Johnson Dahlke to discuss her book Outer Origins, which explores the individual, social, and spiritual implications of ectogenesis, more commonly known as artificial womb technology. Once the realm of science fiction, artificial wombs are now in development and rapidly approaching medical reality. What does this mean for the future of motherhood, family, and human dignity?
Abigail is joined by Dr. Johnson Dahlke to discuss her book Outer Origins, which explores the individual, social, and spiritual implications of ectogenesis, more commonly known as artificial womb technology. Once the realm of science fiction, artificial wombs are now in development and rapidly approaching medical reality. What does this mean for the future of motherhood, family, and human dignity?
Emily Berning addresses the effects of invitro fertilization on parents, siblings, and others. (part 2 of 2)
Emily Berning addressed the effects of invitro fertilization on parents, siblings, and others. (part 1 of 2)
Brant Hanson, radio host and author, joins Abigail to discuss his book, "Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up."
Visit our website at ichooselife.org
Brant Hanson, radio host and author, joins Abigail to discuss his book, "Men We Need: God's Purpose for the Manly Man, the Avid Indoorsman, or Any Man Willing to Show Up."
Why does fatherhood matter—and what happens when it's missing? In this episode, Pastor Donald Eason of CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education) shares his powerful personal story and dives into the critical role fathers play in shaping families, communities, and culture. Drawing from his work in ministry, public policy, and the pro-life movement, Pastor Eason explores the biblical vision for fatherhood and the urgent need to restore it in a fatherless generation.
We're kicking off the June Fatherhood series with seminary professor Dr. Gifford Grobien!
What does it truly mean to be a father? In this episode, Dr. Grobien joins Abigail to explore the deep significance of fatherhood, both from a theological and practical perspective. Drawing on the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ, they unpack how earthly fathers reflect divine love through giving life and modeling repentance.
Amy Davison from Mama Bear Apologetics introduces their book about teaching sexuality to our kids in the midst of a culture that doesn't understand the beauty of God's created order. Part two!
Amy Davison from Mama Bear Apologetics introduces their book about teaching sexuality to our kids in the midst of a culture that doesn't understand the beauty of God's created order.
Katie Scheurmann discusses this question with us, "Are you a mom if you have no children in your house?"
Katie has written several books, including her nonfiction books, He Remembers the Barren (LL 2011; 2nd ed., EP 2017), Pew Sisters (CPH, 2013), and He Restores My Soul (EP, 2018), addressing the topic of suffering and the theology of the cross for the benefit of her sisters in Christ.
Katie Scheurmann discusses this question with us, "Are you a mom if you have no children in your house?"
Katie has written several books, including her nonfiction books, He Remembers the Barren (LL 2011; 2nd ed., EP 2017), Pew Sisters (CPH, 2013), and He Restores My Soul (EP, 2018), addressing the topic of suffering and the theology of the cross for the benefit of her sisters in Christ.
Schuermann’s latest standalone novel, The Saints of Whistle Grove (KP, 2023), tells the story of the life and death of a church told through the lives and deaths of the people buried in its cemetery. Her beloved, acclaimed Anthems of Zion fiction series, including House of Living Stones (CPH, 2014), The Choir Immortal (CPH, 2015), and The Harvest Raise (CPH, 2017), tells the story of Emily Duke, a choir director from the big city who moves to a small town in Illinois to direct the local church choir.
The Creed series, Schuermann’s most recent venture into children’s literature, includes The Big Father and His Little Boy (KP, 2024) and The Beloved Son and His Brother (KP, 2025), stories rich with Biblical allusion that provide families the opportunity to read, ponder, and discuss the nature and work of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
In this episode, Abigail welcomes Karen Ellison, founder of Deeper Still Ministries and author of Healing the Hurt That Won't Heal. Together, they explore the deep emotional and spiritual wounds caused by abortion, the journey toward true healing, and how Deeper Still retreats are changing lives. Whether you’ve been personally impacted or simply want to support healing in your community, this series offers grace, truth, and a call to deeper freedom. Part two.
Visit our website at www.ichooselife.org
In this episode, Abigail welcomes Karen Ellison, founder of Deeper Still Ministries and author of Healing the Hurt That Won't Heal. Together, they explore the deep emotional and spiritual wounds caused by abortion, the journey toward true healing, and how Deeper Still retreats are changing lives. Whether you’ve been personally impacted or simply want to support healing in your community, this series offers grace, truth, and a call to deeper freedom. Part two coming soon.
Visit our website at www.ichooselife.org
Clinical social worker Gret Machlan described the effects of abortion on mental health.
Abigail Lorenzen sits down with Gret, a seasoned clinical social worker and team member of Deeper Still Northern Indiana. Gret shares her powerful personal journey and professional insights into how post-abortive experiences manifest over time, why they’re often overlooked in therapeutic settings, and how true healing can begin. This episode dives deep into how abortion impacts both women and men, why silence keeps people stuck, and how faith-based recovery retreats like Deeper Still offer hope and restoration.
Whether you’ve experienced abortion firsthand, love someone who has, or want to better understand the emotional layers of this issue, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and a path forward.