CNA Staff, Jun 29, 2024 / 09:00 am
A spokesperson for a major Catholic hospital system based in Ohio clarified to CNA this week that the system does not perform abortions but may, in emergency situations, perform procedures to treat a pregnant woman that indirectly result in the death of her unborn child.
The statement comes following a June 20 local news report that reported that Bon Secours Mercy Health “affirms its stance on performing medically necessary abortions at its hospitals,” which the news story claimed “contrasts the position of other Catholic and religious-based health systems that prohibit abortion procedures, regardless of the circumstances.”
Based in Cincinnati and founded by communities of religious sisters, Bon Secours Mercy Health is one of the top five largest health systems in the U.S., with 49 hospitals across Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, and Kentucky, according to its website.
Maureen Richmond, vice president of integrated communication for Mercy Health, confirmed to CNA on June 27 that Mercy Health adheres to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which prohibit the direct killing of an unborn child, no matter the reason.