Katharina Westerhorstmann

Dr. Katharina Westerhorstmann serves as Professor of Theology and Medical Ethics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where she integrates rigorous theological scholarship with contemporary ethical challenges in healthcare and ecclesial contexts. Her academic trajectory reflects deep engagement with Catholic intellectual tradition through advanced training at German institutions.

Her educational credentials include:

• 2014: Habilitation in Moral Theology (Dr. theol. Habil), Department of Catholic Theology, University of Bonn
• 2004: Ph.D. (Dr. theol. Catholic Theology), Summa cum laude, Department of Theology Paderborn
• 2001: Diplome (M.A.) in Catholic Theology, Department of Theology Paderborn
• 1999: Vordiplom (B.A.) in Catholic Theology, Department of Theology Paderborn

Westerhorstmann's research centers on Moral Theology and Medical Ethics, with pioneering work in Jewish-Christian dialogue, sexual ethics, and the theology of vulnerability. She critically examines medical technologies like NIPT through Catholic ethical frameworks while addressing structural failures in abuse prevention. Her scholarship consistently bridges Thomistic tradition with modern bioethical dilemmas, emphasizing love as both divine gift and moral imperative.

Analysis of her 2018-2020 publications reveals intense focus on three converging themes: institutional reform within the Catholic Church (particularly regarding sexual abuse crises), renewal of sexual morality through vulnerability theory, and ethical boundaries of emerging medical technologies. These works demonstrate how theological concepts like relationality and gift-theology provide concrete frameworks for practical ethical decision-making in clinical and ecclesial settings.

No scientific awards are documented in available sources.

While her advising activities and grant funding remain unspecified in public materials, her leadership in co-editing major volumes like 'Menschliche Würde und Spiritualität in der Begleitung am Lebensende' indicates significant collaborative research capacity. Her position as a core faculty member in Franciscan University's Theology Department places her at the intersection of academic theology and real-world ethical formation.