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

Essays & Articles

Samantha’s Essay (discussed in this episode)

“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

Natural Cycles App

TempDrop

Other Mentions

Alex Clark

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the menstrual cycle as the “fifth vital sign”

Momosophy Substack (Elizabeth Kulze)

Resources from Samantha

Details on Samantha’s chronic illness journey

Grow Where You’re Planted — including a downloadable list of favorite non-toxic products available with preorder

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