As Catholic Hospital Systems Grow, Advocates Worry About Faith-Based Prohibitions On Reproductive Care
A new report finds that one out of every six hospital beds is run by a Catholic institution and that in 46 regions of the U.S. it is the sole community hospital. The American Civil Liberties Union and MergerWatch are concerned that growth is affecting women's care, citing doctors who said women became gravely ill at those facilities or were denied tubal ligation because of religious regulations.
The Washington Post:
Report: 1 In 6 Hospital Beds In U.S. Is In A Catholic Institution, Restricting Reproductive Care
One in every 6 hospital beds in the country is in a Catholic hospital system, according to a report released Thursday that suggests the consolidation of health-care systems puts more patients than ever in hospitals where the medical procedures available to them may be dictated by faith. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops advises that Catholic hospitals should not perform abortions or sterilizations and should not promote contraception to patients. Although hospitals vary in how closely they follow the Catholic directives, the American Civil Liberties Union and MergerWatch, which drafted the new report together, expressed concern that patients in many areas of the country find it difficult to access certain forms of care. (Somashekhar and Zauzmer, 5/5)
In other women's health news, Florida's Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to the state's 24-hour waiting period law, and New Hampshire's lawmakers kill a bill to remove the buffer zone around abortion clinics —
The Tampa Bay Times:
Supreme Court Agrees To Hear 24-Hour Abortion Waiting Period Case
The Florida Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a case challenging a state law that requires women to see a doctor and wait 24 hours before having an abortion. Five of seven justices agreed to consider overturning a lower court's decision that the law should be enforced while a pending lawsuit over the constitutionality of the law moves forward. (Auslen, 5/5)
New Hampshire Public Radio:
N.H.'S 25-Foot Buffer Zone Around Abortion Clinics Will Stay
New Hampshire’s 25-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics will remain after the Senate killed a bill to repeal it in a tie vote. Last legislative session the Senate also deadlocked over the issue. And just last month a U.S. District Court judge denied a request to challenge the law. (Sutherland, 5/5)
