Why Women Are Getting Sicker Younger
Brave New Us: Choosing Human in the Age of Biotechnology
Why are women developing chronic illness at younger ages—and why are they so often dismissed when they seek answers?In this episode of Brave New Us, bioethicist and chronic illness patient Samantha Stephenson explores why women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune disease, migraines, infertility, depression, and other chronic conditions. Drawing from ethics, medicine, and lived experience, she examines the role of environmental toxins, hormonal contraception, abortion, and inequities in medical research—and asks how women can pursue real healing without ignoring the spiritual meaning of suffering.In This EpisodeWhy women are getting sicker at younger agesChronic illness, autoimmune disease, and women’s healthEndocrine-disrupting chemicals in beauty, cleaning, and food productsThe “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) loopholeHormonal birth control as a band-aid—not a cureSide effects of hormonal contraceptives, including brain changesRestorative reproductive medicine and NaProTechnologyAbortion and women’s physical and psychological healthWhy women are underrepresented in medical researchThe ethics of studying women’s bodiesFinding meaning, faith, and intimacy with Christ through sufferingEssays & ArticlesSamantha’s Essay (discussed in this episode)“Why Are Women So Sick?” — Claire the Catholic FeministAbortion Is the Real Assault on Women— Crisis MagazineWomen Deserve Better Than Abortion — Word on FireBooks & FilmsYour Brain on Birth Control— Sarah E. HillOffer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering— Megan Hjelmstad (Blessed Is She)Hush(documentary)Women’s Health & FertilityNatural Cycles AppTempDropOther MentionsAlex ClarkAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the menstrual cycle as the “fifth vital sign”Momosophy Substack (Elizabeth Kulze)Resources from SamanthaDetails on Samantha’s chronic illness journey Grow Where You’re Planted — including a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic products available with preorderJoin the ConversationHave thoughts on this episode or personal experience with chronic illness? Subscribe to the newsletter to comment and to receive essays, link roundups, and book updates.If this episode resonated, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show.
About Podcast
From gene editing and artificial wombs to brain implants and digital immortality—what does it mean to be human in a world trying to remake us?
Brave New Us explores how emerging technologies are reshaping what it means to be human. Hosted by Catholic bioethicist and author Samantha Stephenson, the podcast sits at the crossroads of faith, science, and ethics, featuring expert interviews and incisive commentary on biotechnology, AI, transhumanism, reproductive technologies, human enhancement, and the moral questions they raise.
Whether you're questioning the ethics of cutting-edge science, navigating a rapidly changing technological world, or simply seeking clarity in an age of unprecedented innovation, Brave New Us will help you think critically, live intentionally, and choose what is deeply human.
Samantha Stephenson holds master's degrees in theology and bioethics, served as a Paul Ramsey Fellow at the Center for Bioethics and Culture, and taught for the McGrath Institute at the University of Notre Dame. She is the author of several books helping readers grow in faith and navigate the spiritual and ethical questions shaping our rapidly changing world. In addition to hosting the Brave New Us podcast, Samantha writes the Choosing Human newsletter on Substack where she explores faith, family, and the future of being human. Learn more at www.snstephenson.com.
Subscribe now—and stay human in an age that’s forgetting how.