Vatican Hosts Adult Stem Cell Conference

"An international conference opens in Rome Wednesday devoted to medical applications of adult stem cells."

Many U.S. Catholics Have Independent Streak – Survey

"A majority of American Roman Catholics feel strongly about the sacraments and traditional church values such as caring for the poor, but they may not agree with the church teachings on topics such as abortion, same-sex marriage and maintaining a celibate, male clergy, a survey has found."

Archbishop Defends Catholic Healthcare Merger With Hospital

"Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz said Thursday he would only approve a merged hospital system under Roman Catholic ownership if all the participants, including University Hospital, agreed to follow the church's ethical rules for medical care."

Most American Catholics Use Contraception

"Catholic women overwhelmingly use birth control, despite an official ban by the church, a new study finds."

First French 'Designer Baby' Born

"French doctors have announced the birth of a baby selected by genetic sampling who may offer a cure for a sibling affected by an incurable hereditary disease."

Vatican to Update Bioethics Guide for Catholic Hospitals

"Controversies over bioethical standards at U.S. Catholic hospitals show the need for greater Catholic education for health care workers, Vatican officials said Thursday."

The Church, Stem Cells and Our Future

"For centuries, what many perceive as the ‘inherent conflict’ between science and religion has provoked the minds and tested the faith of scholars, doctors, philosophers, religious leaders and casual observers alike. But it seems the two are finally coming together in the interest of saving lives."

Bishop Strips Hospital of Catholic Status After Abortion

"http://abcnews.go.com/Health/abortion-debate-hospital-stripped-catholic-status/story?id=12455295."

Vatican: Everyone Can Use Condoms to Prevent HIV

"Using a condom is a lesser evil than transmitting HIV to a sexual partner — even if that means a woman averts a possible pregnancy, the Vatican said Tuesday, signaling a seismic shift in papal teaching as it explained Pope Benedict XVI's comments."

Doctors' Beliefs Affect End-of-Life Care

"A new study finds that doctors who are not religious are more likely to take steps to help end a very sick patient's life, and to discuss these kinds of decisions, than doctors who are very religious."

Evangelical Group: We'll Partner to Reduce Number of Abortions

"The National Association of Evangelicals is making an anti-abortion move that some evangelicals may not welcome: They've announced a willingness to partner with groups that offer contraceptive services and other programs aimed at reducing the number of abortions."

Kennedy Dispute Showcases Divide Among Catholics

"A bitter dispute over abortion that prompted Rhode Island's Roman Catholic bishop to ask Rep. Patrick Kennedy not to receive Holy Communion has revealed the depth of the divide among Catholics over how politicians should reconcile their faith with their public duties."

Religious Belief Influences End-of-Life Treatment Choices

"Terminally ill cancer patients who drew comfort from religion were far more likely to seek aggressive, life-prolonging care in the week before they died than were less religious patients and far more likely to want doctors to do everything possible to keep them alive, a study has found."