Hartford, Conn., Feb 22, 2006 / 22:00 pm
Catholics have taken up the fight against a proposal in the Connecticut state legislature that would require all hospitals — including Catholic hospitals — to provide the emergency contraceptive Plan B, or the morning after pill, to rape victims.
Hartford priest Fr. John Gatzak said he understands the trauma of rape but insists Plan B should not be forced on Catholic hospitals.
"In no case can a Catholic hospital initiate or provide anything which is going to remove or prevent the implantation of a fertilized ovum," Fr. Gatzak told News Channel 8.
"The Church cannot condone a wrong by providing for another wrong," he added.
Administrators at rape crisis centers are arguing that it's unethical for Catholic hospitals to deny rape victims this treatment.