Catholic hospitals have contrasting views on bill

By Sean Gallagher

Two Catholic health care providers in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, who are members of the Catholic Health Association, had contrasting reactions to the March 21 passage of historic health care reform legislation.

The Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc. (SSFHS), which operates hospitals in Illinois and Indiana, including St. Francis Hospital and Health Centers in Beech Grove, Indianapolis and Mooresville, issued a statement opposing the legislation on March 22.

The statement cited the bill’s allowance of federal funding of abortion in its opposition to the bill.

“SSFHS will continue to voice opposition to this bill, and all other legislation that subsidizes abortion,” the statement read.

“President [Barack] Obama campaigned on a pro-abortion platform, and continues to use his office to further the pro-abortion cause,” the statement continued. “The president’s promise to issue an executive order to prohibit health care reform funds from being used to cover abortions does not carry the strength of a legislative act, and can be withdrawn at any time without legislative approval.”

The statement also expressed regret that “Congressman [Bart] Stupak and his backers gave in to the immense pressure from the White House opting to trust a man who was elected on a pro-abortion platform to protect the rights of the unborn.”

In contrast, St. Vincent Health spokesman Johnny Smith praised the health care reform bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on March 23.

“At St. Vincent Health, we’ve been a longtime advocate for 100 percent access and 100 percent coverage for all Americans,” Smith said. “And, with the legislation passing, it’s going to ensure that 32 million people, who were previously uninsured, will now be able to obtain meaningful coverage at an affordable price.

“We understand that the legislation is not perfect. But it is a step in the right direction to truly being able to increase access and increase coverage for Americans.”

St. Vincent Health operates 17 hospitals and other health care ministries in 45 counties in central Indiana. It is also a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest not-for-profit and Catholic health care system. †