Newspaper looks at report alleging Catholic hospitals' ethical lapses

Published: 2008-07-03

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (CNS) -- A national Catholic newspaper said a report alleging that thousands of sterilizations, and possibly some abortions, took place in 23 Texas Catholic hospitals from 2000 to 2003 has prompted Catholic hospital officials in the state to scrutinize their records and stirred intense discussions among hospital officials, directors of the facilities' parent health systems and local bishops. The newspaper, Our Sunday Visitor in Huntington, published an investigative story about the report in its July 13 edition. The report was made by a group of anonymous whistle-blowers who compiled hospital diagnostic and procedure codes to determine there were 9,684 instances of allegedly unequivocal "sterilization for contraceptive purposes" from 2000 to 2003. The group, which Our Sunday Visitor said it contacted through an intermediary, also cited data indicating 39 abortions were performed at Catholic hospitals. Group members noted, however, the data could be subject to interpretation because it could include morally acceptable procedures such as surgery to remove a baby that has died in the mother's womb or emergency services for an abortion performed at another location. Andrew Rivas, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference, the official public policy arm of the state's bishops, told Our Sunday Visitor that Texas bishops were investigating the report and seeking information from hospital administrators.

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