Working at a 'Catholic' Hospital

[Jea9]

I have been working at a ‘Catholic’ hospital for about two months now. About a week ago I became aware that the Women’s Clinic that was just recently purchased and officially part of the hospital, will continue to provide prescriptions for contraceptions. I learned this as a patient, and it was reaffirmed by the CEO and the director of Spiritual needs. I’ve been told that they will not be offering samples of the contraception, but that they will be prescribing them and the patients may go to any local pharmacy to pick them up. In my head this is akin to “I won’t kill your husband for you, but here’s the name of a guy I know that’ll do it for you for a real good deal.” Now, I am not directly linked to this department (I’m in physical therapy) however, I’m still very bothered by this. I think that any person who is non-Catholic, and some Catholics even, will view this as the go-ahead by the church because we are a ‘Catholic’ hospital.
I’m not looking for advice per se, because I’m working closely with my spiritual director and the local parish priest on what my responsibility is. N I do know that sometimes birth control pills are offered for medical reasons,and am more looking at this from the strictly contraception aspect. I just think that at the very least we are causing scandal because this particular hospital is known widely as being a Catholic hospital. I’m just curious if others have been in this situation and what you have done. Or, what would you do if you were in my situation. Again, I have very little direct contact with this department, but I still feel that we are being a party to sin. And the fact that I work at, and promote in the community, this hospital that is allowing this leaves me with…well…an icky feeling. They do not allow abortions and have strict policies regarding procedures that cause one to be sterile. They are doing a lot…but there is still this…
Any thoughts?

 

[DailyBread]

The problem is that most “Catholic” Hospitals were started by religious orders or with Catholic Schools and hospitals are so expensive to run these days, that these orders or schools really do not own them, but they are run by boards (usually people who have no moral qualms about this). You yourself are not having any co-operation with them, so you are not in a moral quandry at all.
The bishop does not have any control over their practices really since they are owned by the board essentially. So sadly yes, many “Catholic” hospitals are not acting with Catholic morals. There are some that still do though I imagine they are the exception rather than the rule. I think we need to understand that these Hospitals are not run by the Catholic church and probably are only Catholic in name. It is up to Catholic Health Care workers to do their best to present Christ to others even as the devil seemingly runs things next door.

 

[stbruno]

Does this hospital have a medical ethics director? Perhaps, he/she is unaware of this practice and it should be made known to them. Can’t hurt to send an anonymous note to this person and hopefully an investigation into the assertion will be made. Pray on it too.

 

[Conservative]

I’ve heard in recent years that a Catholic hospital in my area is similarly taken over by some other concen (who I don’t know if it’s a corporation or what). But I think that once this happens, the name should be changed. It’s misleading to the public at large to think they are at a “Catholic” hospital when situations, as you described, exist. The Church - to my limited knowledge - would not approve of any artificial birth control methods being suggested or directed. So, there’s a big problem here.

Would a pharmaceutical company pass out Bibles? Would an abortion clinic pass out Right-to-Life pamphlets? Then “Catholic” hospitals must promotoe solely THEIR priniciples, as well. Think about it.

 

[Jea9]

There is an ethics committee, the spiritual director (the person I spoke with about this) is on this committee. Hopefully he takes this concern to them. The hospital was originally owned by nuns, however in the late 80’s they couldn’t handle running it anymore and sold out to a Catholic conglomerate. The spiritual director is also supposed to be checking if this is common with all of these Catholic hospitals or if it’s because this particular hospital bought a secular Women’s Clinic. I am spending a lot of time in prayer, the hospital actually has a 24 hour Adoration chapel so I’m sure this will help.
Thanks for the replies!

 

[mark_a]

About a week ago I became aware that the Women’s Clinic that was just recently purchased and officially part of the hospital, will continue to provide prescriptions for contraceptions. I learned this as a patient, and it was reaffirmed by the CEO and the director of Spiritual needs. I’ve been told that they will not be offering samples of the contraception, but that they will be prescribing them and the patients may go to any local pharmacy to pick them up. In my head this is akin to “I won’t kill your husband for you, but here’s the name of a guy I know that’ll do it for you for a real good deal.”

You are right and the hospital is wrong. No wonder there is so much confusion and rebellion among Catholics concerning contraception.

 

[Seatuck]

The hospital may be under pressure from the state to be providing this service. That is the case in NY. The state is in considering requiring abortions to be provided on premises as well.

 

[Jea9]

The hospital may be under pressure from the state to be providing this service. That is the case in NY. The state is in considering requiring abortions to be provided on premises as well.

Well, that’s so sad. I thought as long as it was a privately held hospital the state couldn’t do anything about what is or isn’t offered.

 

[StCsDavid]

Well, that’s so sad. I thought as long as it was a privately held hospital the state couldn’t do anything about what is or isn’t offered.

The state can’t force the hospital to do anything; however, it can choose to boot the hospital from its list of approved Medicaid providers. The challenge for the hospital becomes a loss of state funding, specifically Medicaid. If they lose this funding then they can no longer treat a host of other patients either and very well could have to close their doors. It’s a kind of state sponsored green-mail. Is this a great country or what?

 

[CarlisleMLH]

This new chapter in our holocaust of babies in America really grieves me. I will pray for you and for those who advise you. I will pray that you may be a light in this terrible darkness. I also pray for our Mother Church. I pray that all of us who have been convicted re the evil of abortion may speak out lovingly and effectively! I pray that the American Bishops will work to guarantee no Catholic institution or personel will cooperate or support any of the pro-abortion industry. And I pray that no institution will be Catholic in name only. Names are important. The clarity of our witness is important. While it may seem like a personal trial to you, keep in mind that the Lord may be inviting you to give a special witness. Be not afraid! The Lord is with you! Pray and gather as much prayer support as possible! I will be praying for you daily!