Lesson for California Bishops?
In a case watched by Catholics nation-wide, the Archdiocese of Boston has decided that its healthcare affiliate, Caritas Christi Healthcare, will not participate in a planned partnership with the Centene Corporation. The partnership had been announced in February 2009 and was scheduled to begin on July 1.
The proposed partnership immediately drew protests from Catholics and pro-life organizations, since the plan would have mandated Caritas Christi to provide coverage for abortions. The outcry eventually caused Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, to seek guidance from the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, headed by John Haas.
After weeks of consultation, the archdiocese decided to abandon the project. In a June 27 joint statement released by the archdiocese and Caritas, Cardinal O’Malley said, “I am pleased that Caritas Christi was able to achieve this outcome….By withdrawing from the joint venture and serving the poor as a provider in the Connector, upholding Catholic moral teaching at all times, they are able to carry forward the critical mission of Catholic health care.”
Judie Brown of the American Life League praised the decision, "Cardinal O'Malley has set a beautiful example of dedication and charity for those poorest of the poor -- the preborn."
Others were less enthusiastic, however. Following the announcement C. J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts said: “Caritas Christi has indicated that a woman seeking an abortion at a Caritas hospital will be sent back to her insurer. For Commonwealth Care members that insurer will be CeltiCare, which will not only procure the abortion but will provide transportation to the abortion facility. Instead of offering compassionate alternatives to abortion, Caritas Christi will still be engaged in a two-step abortion referral….
The proposed partnership immediately drew protests from Catholics and pro-life organizations, since the plan would have mandated Caritas Christi to provide coverage for abortions. The outcry eventually caused Cardinal Sean O’Malley, archbishop of Boston, to seek guidance from the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, headed by John Haas.
After weeks of consultation, the archdiocese decided to abandon the project. In a June 27 joint statement released by the archdiocese and Caritas, Cardinal O’Malley said, “I am pleased that Caritas Christi was able to achieve this outcome….By withdrawing from the joint venture and serving the poor as a provider in the Connector, upholding Catholic moral teaching at all times, they are able to carry forward the critical mission of Catholic health care.”Judie Brown of the American Life League praised the decision, "Cardinal O'Malley has set a beautiful example of dedication and charity for those poorest of the poor -- the preborn."
Others were less enthusiastic, however. Following the announcement C. J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts said: “Caritas Christi has indicated that a woman seeking an abortion at a Caritas hospital will be sent back to her insurer. For Commonwealth Care members that insurer will be CeltiCare, which will not only procure the abortion but will provide transportation to the abortion facility. Instead of offering compassionate alternatives to abortion, Caritas Christi will still be engaged in a two-step abortion referral….
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