Ascension nurses call on U.S. bishops to hold Catholic hospital chain accountable to church directives
Summary
Nurses from Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore are rallying on November 12, 2024, outside a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting to urge the bishops to hold Ascension accountable to Catholic healthcare directives. They accuse Ascension, of failing to uphold its mission to serve vulnerable populations and respect employees. Nurses cite unsafe staffing, workplace violence, and profit-driven decisions that undermine care for marginalized patients. Ascension has also faced criticism for cutting services, particularly in low-income, predominantly Black and Latin communities, and selling hospitals in poorer areas.
Relevance
Ascension has recently acquired several hospitals, this is an example of negative working conditions and mistreatment within faith-based healthcare institutions. This is relevant to the project because it shows an erosion of Catholic Identity and values after acquisition, but also resistance from Nurses and the Catholic community.