Carolyn McLeod

Carolyn McLeod is a Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Western University’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities. Her work bridges applied ethics, feminist philosophy, and moral philosophy, with a focus on reproductive health care, trust in institutions, and epistemic justice.

• Education: BA, MA (Queen’s University); PhD (Dalhousie University)

Her research analyzes moral concepts like trust, autonomy, and conscience, particularly in healthcare and policy contexts. She has contributed to debates on conscientious objection in abortion provision, institutional distrust among marginalized groups, and equity in adoption systems.

Carolyn’s recent publications include studies on epistemic injustice in social media, reproductive rights, and co-authored works on feminist theories of distrust. She holds an SSHRC Insight Grant (2023–2027) for research on institutional distrust and injustice.

• Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2021), Distinguished University Professor at Western (2024)

She supervises PhD and MA students in philosophy, including projects on solidarity, microaggressions, and gender non-conformity. Her policy advocacy has influenced Canadian Employment Insurance reforms for adoptive parents and Ontario’s IVF funding debates.

Carolyn leads interdisciplinary research groups and collaborates with institutions like the Adoption Council of Canada. Her work emphasizes feminist methodologies and their application to pressing ethical and policy issues.