Notre Dame Names New Director for Asian Studies Institute
The University of Notre Dame has recently announced the appointment of Susan Osterman as the new director of the Lew Institute for Asian Studies. This decision has sparked some debate, particularly given the university’s Catholic foundations, since Osterman has openly supported abortion access.
Osterman, who joined Notre Dame in 2017 as a professor of world affairs, is set to take on her new role at the Center for Asian Studies in July. In a 2022 article she co-authored, she and former professor Tamara Kaye discussed how “nearly 90% of abortions occur during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy,” a time frame they argue that involves only a blastocyst or an embryo so small that it isn’t visible on an ultrasound.
The authors also pushed back against the notion that abortion poses dangers to individuals, insisting that research contradicts this claim, stating, “This could not be further from the truth. Research shows that abortion is safe and has no long-term effects on physical or mental health.” They argued that the criminalization of abortion can cause significant harm, increasing rates of unwanted pregnancies and even infant mortality.
In light of her new role, Osterman said she is focused on serving the mission of the Lew Institute while fostering an environment that encourages academic diversity. “I have my own beliefs about complex social and legal issues,” she acknowledged, “but my role is to support the varied work of scholars and students, not to push a personal political agenda.”
Notre Dame’s commitment to life issues is articulated in a 2010 statement emphasizing the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death, consistent with its Catholic teachings.
Despite the potential contradictions in her appointment, Osterman expressed admiration for Notre Dame’s mission, saying that the university’s focus on integrative human development inspires her. “I respect Notre Dame’s institutional position on the sanctity of life at every stage,” she added, looking forward to promoting an academic environment that values inquiry and collaboration.
