Bottom Line - Right to Life vs. needs of the Community

[OverEducated]

I live in a small town (4,500 people) north of Green Bay WI. Our town hospital is owned and operated by Bellin Health Inc., a for profit health care provider. It is a small hospital with 4 rooms and Emergency Services with an attached community fitness center. (our family has a membership) Now that is the perception of Bellin in our little town …A nice organization that takes care of our community.
Last fall, my wife and I participated in the 40 Days for Life event in Green Bay. This is an around the clock, prayerful, sidewalk protest, walking around the “Medical Arts” building, where abortions are performed. I asked my wife: “so, who owns this place?” She replied “Bellin Health,” which kind of shocked me and the news caused an instant internal conflict. That was in Oct. 07, since then our family used the hospital for emergence services, a couple times, and we are still members of the fitness center.

The internal conflict became a public conflict recently at a Knights of Columbus meeting. Bellin Health was looking for community support, in the way of a pledge drive. The money will go for upkeep and expansion of the facility. One of the members wanted to give $300 to Bellin but I objected stating that the Knights of Columbus is a Pro Life organization and we should not be supporting Pro Abortion organization even if they are the only local emergency services provider. I was outvoted.

Any comments or suggestions?

 

[1ke]

I agree with you 100%. You spoke your conscience, good for you. Keep up the good work. Make your fellow KCs really think about this issue. Perhaps you can organize a local prayer vigil at this hospital to raise awareness in the community that they own an abortion clinic. Hand out fliers, ask the community to demand change. Most people probably don’t know.

Also, it’s not sinful to use the medical facilities if they are your only option.

 

[sires6]

Tough issue. I’m sorry that you have to deal with this, it would be easier if it were separately owned. But now, you must ask yourself if supporting their need for upkeep will justify their use of the money toward abortion, because you know that if you provide ANY money to them, part, even if it’s only pennies on the dollar, will go to abortion.

Maybe you can use the KoC to talk to Bellin about discontinuing their services. There are many many many sites that show there are better ways to support the community without running an abortion clinic. Show them how improving life means money saved and money earned. Women’s lives are healthier and will use their facilities for health reasons, like the gym which pays more in the long run (one abortion vs. years of gym fees).

Children born will bring in more cash in the long run. Encourage them to build health and fun for families and they will draw more customers.

Talk money and tell them that not only will you picket the clinic, you will start on the Hospital too and start informing your little community about Bellin’s little secret, how they’re saving lives on one side and killing them on the other. Carrot stick so to speak. (In really nice legalese of course.)

That’s my take. Good Luck and God Bless you in your efforts.

 

[Brendan]

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Maybe you can use the KoC to talk to Bellin about discontinuing their services.

That would be my thought as well.

You are correct that the KofC should not be donating money to Bellin ( I’m 3rd degree myself)

But Bellin needs to know the reasons and your strong objections.

Otherwise, they will continue on their merry way

 

[PaulinVA]

So, the Knights are supporting a company that performs abortions? What if the Knights had donated to Planned Parenthood instead of Bellin Health?

How sad. Write the Bishop.

Never thought someone would have a moral dilemma about being a Knight.

 

[buffalo]

The Knights exist to protect and defend. This is distressing that the Knights would even consider this.

 

[OverEducated]

So, the Knights are supporting a company that performs abortions? What if the Knights had donated to Planned Parenthood instead of Bellin Health?

How sad. Write the Bishop.

Never thought someone would have a moral dilemma about being a Knight.

All, thanks for the advice!

Unfortunately, the Diocese of Green Bay does not currently have a Bishop. The diocese leadership considers themselves to be “progressive” so a complaint from me concerning the local would, most likely, fall on deaf ear. Maybe it would be better to go up the K of C chain of command. I’m sure Carl Anderson (if it went up that high up) would not see this as a positive for his Knights.

 

[Sailor_Kenshin]

All, thanks for the advice!

Unfortunately, the Diocese of Green Bay does not currently have a Bishop. The diocese leadership considers themselves to be “progressive” so a complaint from me concerning the local would, most likely, fall on deaf ear. Maybe it would be better to go up the K of C chain of command. I’m sure Carl Anderson (if it went up that high up) would not see this as a positive for his Knights.

Good luck. This should not even be an issue, but maybe you have been ‘chosen’ to bring it to light.

 

[kage_ar]

Sounds as if someone in the Parish has a business opportunity to open a fitness center.