University of Louisville - Cardinals for Life
Abortion Debate
January 15, 2009

Michael Janocik joined the right to life movement full-time in 1998 with the Kentucky Right to Life Association, Inc.

Janocik has written extensively on abortion, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Janocik has been published in the Washington Times, realclearpolitics.com, the American Medical Journal, National Right to Life News, Courier Journal, Lexington Herald Leader, Kentucky Post, Cincinnati Post, and other regional and national news publications. Mr. Janocik has also been interviewed by national newspapers such as the Washington Post, The Hill (Capital Hill Newspaper, Washington, D.C.), and the National Catholic Register.

He often speaks to small groups about right to life issues throughout Kentucky. He periodically guest hosts a pro-life radio show on WLCR, Holy Family Radio, and has been a repeat guest on the WVLK Sue Wiley radio show, Lexington, KY to discuss Terri Schiavo, human cloning, embryonic stem cell research, RU486, and abortion. He has also been a guest on Clear Channel, WHAS Radio, Louisville, KY, and Supertalk 1350 in North Carolina to discuss end-of-life and embryonic stem cell issues. Janocik participated in a debate on Louisville's National Public Radio affiliate, WFPL opposite Dr. Fred J. Roisen, Chair of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology at University of Louisville. Janocik appeared as a panelist on KET's Kentucky Tonight with Bill Goodman to debate stem cell research three times, opposite two representatives from the National Diabetes Association, the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and the Chairman of the FDA Advisory Panel on reproductive issues. Mr. Janocik was interviewed by the Japanese Broadcasting Company for a nation-wide documentary on embryonic stem cell and fetal tissue research.

Janocik has lectured on pro-life issues at the University of Louisville, Indiana Southeast University, Bellarmine University, Spalding University, McKendrie College, and the Newman Center at Eastern Kentucky University. He has been a guest speaker at numerous public and private high schools in Kentucky.

Janocik has been married for 18 years to his lovely wife, Susan Janocik, M.D. and is the father of two children at home, Benjamin and Gloria. Janocik has been active in his church as RCIA sponsor and also served on the parish council. Mr. Janocik earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisville.

I teach courses in Medical Ethics, Humanism and Medicine, Business Ethics, Philosophical Ethics, and Human Rights. I am an ordained Baptist minister and Director of The Center for Ethics: Ministry, Business and Medicine.

I have contributed to the national and international dialogue on medical ethics through my writings on topics such as abortion, genetics, in-vitro fertilization, elective death and health care. I lecture and write on a variety of issues including business ethics, sexuality and family, aging, peacemaking, religious liberty and values in education.

I have a special interest in the intersections of religion and science, and of ethics and public policy. My method brings biblical, theological and philosophical perspectives into conversation with scientific and legal dimensions of particular problems.

I came to the University of Louisville in 1995 and to the Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine in 1997. I was attracted to UofL because of its commitments to academic freedom, educational integrity, diversity and community service. I have been able to relate my religious studies to issues in medical research and clinical ethics at both undergraduate and graduate levels. My work with medical students is a special and rewarding challenge, often resulting in special writing projects or seminars.

I serve on the Hospital Ethics Committee (HEC) of the University of Louisville Hospital, Baptist Hospital East and the Jefferson County Medical Society. I have also served on the Ethics Committee of Louisville Hospice, the In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Overview Committee of Alliant Hospital, the Animal Review Committee of VA hospital and for 10 years was on the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Audubon Hospital during the era of the artificial heart program. I also serve as a Trustee of Americans United for Separation of Church and State and a member of the Religious Consultation on Population, Reproductive Health and Ethics. I also served on the Governor Wilkinson's Commission on Values in Secondary Education.