Two Patients: My Conversion from Abortion to Life-Affirming Medicine

by John Bruchalski, Elise Daniel (Contributor)

After a terrible misjudgment in the delivery room, Dr. John Bruchalski realized that with every pregnant woman he attends, there are two patients—the mother and her unborn child. In addition to this discovery, two remarkable spiritual experiences deepened his understanding of the kind of man he had become and the one he was called to be. Two Patients is the story of how a physician who practiced abortion came to question the medical status quo and to pioneer an approach to reproductive medicine that respects female fertility, honors the dignity of unborn children, and o­ ers care to patients regardless of their financial situation. Such health care, writes Dr. John Bruchalski, is merciful medicine, and his memoir gives a glimpse of just how merciful the relationship between a doctor and his two patients—mother and child— can be.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction

185 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2022

Reviews

[Kelly S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say that I know Dr. Bruchalski. I was one of his patients. He took care of me and my sons throughout three pregnancies, and he delivered my youngest son. His friend and colleague mentioned in the book, Dr. Marie Anderson, delivered my other sons so it was nice to see her mentioned in the book. I will forever sing the praises of Dr. Bruchalski. He is an excellent physician who properly diagnosed me with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and quickly began the correct treatment plan. He is also wonderful, loving, and compassionate human being. Dr. Bruchalski and his entire staff mourned with us when we lost one of our babies very late in the pregnancy. They supported us through it. I will always be so grateful for Dr. Bruchalski and Tepeyac ob/gyn. You can truly feel the love of Christ radiating through Dr. Bruchalski. He is going to be a Saint one day.

This book is a memoir that follows his childhood in New Jersey, through his doctor residency, his miraculous religious conversion, to opening his pro-life ob/gyn clinic. I have heard his conversion story before but I didn't know all the details of the abortions he performed or that some babies were far along. I found it upsetting how dismissive the superiors were in regards to abortions, particularly only caring about how much more money they can make. That alone tells you they don't care about women's rights, they only care about how much money it will benefit them with.

I hope more womens health physicians will begin to realize that they are treating two patients, not just one. Both of them matter equally.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story about an amazing man. I have experienced Dr. B’s compassionate caregiving first hand and his love for his patients and their well being is evident in every appointment. He looks at you like you are a person and not another patient to be checked off of a list. Never hurrying your appointments and taking the time to listen to your problems.

I had never heard his conversion story before reading this book. It was a very gripping story, well-written and left me staying up too late to finish it. The descriptions of abortions he had performed were difficult to read, but necessary to show the violence of the procedure.

I highly recommend this book and I hope it encourages others to change their mindset on abortion. Both medical professionals and women struggling with hard choices. My hope is that more pro-life OBGYNs open across the country and that one day abortion itself becomes unthinkable.

[Catholic Mom and Daughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring story! From going with the flow and giving his patients whatever they wanted to choosing life and giving mothers and babies the best care possible, the author made a profound change in his life and medical practice . As you read, you can really see the hand of God working in his life to change his heart. Enjoyed this one very much!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vulnerable and unflinching first-person account of an Ob/Gyn in training trying to reconcile the often contradictory requirements of his work, bringing life into the world and bringing life to an end. An important read no matter your position - right to life or right to choice - and an inspiring look at how one person changed the course of his life and career to follow God’s call.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by Dr. Bruchalski’s conversion story and deep devotion to life affirming medicine. This is a wonderful read!

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in under 24 hours. It kept me interested and inspired. I recommend also listening to Dr. John Bruchalski's interview with Matt Fradd. He gives some other details and experiences that are not in the book that have stuck with me.

I love the way he ended the book, "So when the time comes to sacrifice for his love... and rejoice in your sufferings, remember that 'suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.'" (Romans 5:3-4). This book was full of hope.

There were difficult parts to read, such as the details about the types of abortions, but that brutality is needed to show abortion for what it is: the murdering of a human life, not just a clump of cells as so many are told. As I read those parts, I couldn't help but wonder how his devout parents felt knowing their son was committing these heinous crimes. In Dr. Bruchalski's interview he suggested people read the book if they have children who have fallen away or are not living in a way pleasing to God; he said it would help them see the power of prayer of the parents and to not lose hope. That is why I ordered the book. I would have loved to have heard more from his parents' perspective during that time of Dr. Bruchalski's derailment, but that is their story to tell, not his. He may not even be aware of all the sacrifices they made for him and his soul.

This book is a story of hope and trust in God!

[Joanna]

The story told by Dr. Bruchalski is inspiring, but at times difficult to comprehend. Bruchalski grew up in a home where the Catholic faith was priority number one and his parents taught him pro-life values. In the book, he recalls that his father came home in mourning the day Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, calling it "Black Monday". And yet, somehow, through pressure in medical school and acceptance of wrong (but appealing) moral philosophy, Dr. Bruchalski ends up performing abortions.

This story is a perfect example of the "Hound of Heaven" being hard to resist. Dr. Bruchalski shares how his conscious was pricked when he first started performing abortions, but overtime his heart was hardened. Throughout his residency, several supernatural events occur that lead Dr. Bruchalski to abandon abortion and all other unethical practices.

Dr. Bruchalski shares a story of an abortion he performed on a baby with hydrocephalus, a condition the one of my sons was diagnosed with in utero. This was my final catalyst for writing my new Substack piece, "The Meaning of Mercy: Abortion in the Case of Fetal Defect", you can find it here:

https://open.substack.com/pub/joannab...

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this memoir, Dr. John Bruchalski shares his journey of becoming a doctor who specializes in women's health and how extraordinary spiritual experiences led him to change the way he engaged in his practice and stop performing abortions. Dr. Bruchalski's story was generally known to me before I picked up his book, as he actually delivered one of my own children, but I had never heard all the details. I found the story fascinating and inspiring, and it truly made me reflect on my own spiritual and personal life. Not that I'm a doctor, but I found myself reflecting in the sense of purpose and commitment, and I appreciated that. He often repeats himself to underscore his main points, which I understand, but it is not a style of emphasis that I enjoy. I also had an incredibly difficult time reading about the actual process of abortion. Still, I think this is an incredibly valuable read and I am thankful for having read it (and for his beautiful work with my family in the past, but that is my own story and you can get that from me in other ways if you'd like it).

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 stars for the writing and five plus for the remarkable testimony. I knew I absolutely wanted a pro-life doctor for my fourth baby and I found Dr. Bruchalski and Tepeyac then. When I saw this book I knew I had to read it. The first chapters weren’t great, but the story of Dr. Bruchalski’s full conversion and subsequent passion for what he calls “life-affirming medicine” is well worth reading and his vision is needed in our age.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This inspiring story follows Dr. Bruchalski's journey from performing abortions to becoming a life-affirming OBGYN. I would have liked to have learned more about how his patients responded to his change of values.

[Maria M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have met Dr B and was interested in his conversion story. I found his story interesting, tho parts of it were hard to read as he discussed abortions he performed. The parts about his spiritual
conversion were amazing.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

5-star medical philosophy. The doctor covers some important nuances of the abortion issue. And the parts about calling will have broad resonance, especially for those who are spiritually minded.

[Wade Wiegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational story of the personal conversion of a doctor who has created something very odd in today’s medical world — life affirming medicine! And he is still living it today!!

[Giovanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read if you want to gain a greater understanding of how the abortion industry operates. Dr. Bruchalski’s raw testimony is something more people need to hear.

[Marianne Kelso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of conversion, love and compassion for the mother and the child.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth shall set you free.

[Elizabeth Weidenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough subject, took courage and strength to live his faith

[Dorothy A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy read and very interesting.

[Liesl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve had the privilege of meeting Dr B a couple of times and he is just as genuine and life-affirming in person as you can see from his story. This is a two-fold conversion story - one conversion to a devotion to protecting life and treating mom and baby, and one conversion of faith. It’s a beautiful story of redemption and hope.

[Lucy Eisgruber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story - really enjoyed . A servants heart indeed!