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 Episode
Why women are getting sicker at younger ages
Chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and women’s health
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in beauty, cleaning, and food products
The “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) loophole
Hormonal birth control as a band-aid—not a cure
Side effects of hormonal contraceptives, including brain changes
Restorative reproductive medicine and NaProTechnology
Abortion and women’s physical and psychological health
Why women are underrepresented in medical research
The ethics of studying women’s bodies
Finding meaning, faith, and intimacy with Christ through suffering
Mentioned & Linked in This Episode
Essays & Articles
“Why Are Women So Sick?” — Claire the Catholic Feminist
Abortion Is the Real Assault on Women — Crisis Magazine
Women Deserve Better Than Abortion — Word on Fire
Books & Films
Your Brain on Birth Control — Sarah E. Hill
Offer It Up: Discovering the Power and Purpose of Redemptive Suffering — Megan Hjelmstad (Blessed Is She)
Hush (documentary)
Women’s Health & Fertility
Other Mentions
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the menstrual cycle as the “fifth vital sign”
Momosophy Substack (Elizabeth Kulze)
Resources from Samantha
Subscribe to the newsletter for essays, link roundups, and book updates
Details on Samantha’s chronic illness journey
Grow Where You’re Planted — including a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic products available with preorder
Join the Conversation
Have thoughts on this episode or personal experience with chronic illness?
Join the discussion at choosinghuman.org.
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