Bioethics for a Better World Season 2, Episode 4: Consent is a Principle of Consent, Not Obligation

July 1, 2026

In this episode ethicists Kayla Tabari and Kevin Dirksen discuss a locally-famous phrase from the founding director of the Providence Center for Health Care Ethics, Rev. John Tuohey: “Consent is a principle of permission, not obligation.” Kayla and Kevin unpack what this means, how to lean in when disagreement occurs, and remind us that maintaining trustworthiness with our community is always a worthy goal. For more, see: John Tuohey, “Redefining Death as a Way to Procure More Vital Organs: A Response,” Health Care Ethics USA (Spring 2009), 5. To follow along with the podcast please use the subscribe button above.

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