Advocates Worry Possible Hospital Merger Could Limit Access To Women’s Reproductive Services
A proposed merger between Providence Health & Services, a Catholic hospital chain, and Irvine-based St. Joseph Health System has the American Civil Liberties Union and women's health advocates concerned that the change could shepherd in stricter regulations based on church doctrine.
The Orange County Register:
Proposed St. Joseph, Providence Merger Raises Concerns Over Health Services
A proposed merger between Irvine-based St. Joseph Health System and another major Catholic hospital chain, Providence Health & Services, is raising concerns about long-term access to women’s reproductive services. The American Civil Liberties Union and women’s health advocates say a change in leadership could usher in a more stringent application of church doctrine that dictates the type of medical treatments Catholic-sponsored hospitals may provide. That doctrine forbids contraceptives, abortions and sterilizations as methods of birth control. It leaves room for interpretation, however, when a woman’s health is considered at serious risk. (Chandler, 6/4)
In other women's health news —
The Modesto Bee:
Vigil Of Support Held At Modesto Planned Parenthood Center
About 50 people gathered at the Planned Parenthood Modesto Health Center on Sunday to show support for the clinic’s patients, staff and mission. The prayer vigil was organized in the wake of an arson fire at the McHenry Avenue facility May 25. (Farrow, 6/5)