Catholic Health Association Challenges Claims of Limited Care
Sister Mary Haddad, president of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, voiced disappointment in a USA Today article published on February 17 that implied Catholic healthcare institutions restrict the care they provide because of their pro-life beliefs. Sister Haddad pushed back against these claims, asserting that Catholic hospitals are dedicated to both protecting human life from conception to natural death and upholding the highest medical standards seen across healthcare. She argued that the article promotes a false narrative about Catholic healthcare’s approach to medical practices, especially when it comes to women’s reproductive health.
Ethical Guidelines and Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals
Sister Haddad also clarified that Catholic hospitals in the U.S. follow ethical and medical guidelines that align with standards set by reputable bodies such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). While these hospitals refrain from performing elective abortions, they are not restricted from offering essential medical care to pregnant women dealing with life-threatening conditions. She highlighted that decisions made by these hospitals are guided by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services (ERDs), ensuring that care meets ethical principles while addressing the medical needs of patients.
Catholic Hospitals’ Impact on Underserved Communities
Responding to concerns about the expansion of Catholic health systems, Sister Haddad explained that the number of Catholic hospitals has remained stable over recent decades. She emphasized the crucial role these hospitals play in providing care, particularly in underserved rural areas where other healthcare providers have closed. Haddad also defended the integration of faith in healthcare, stating that spirituality is a driving force that inspires Catholic hospitals to offer compassionate, inclusive care to all, regardless of the patient’s background.