Virginia Mason Cuts Reproductive Health Care after Merger
Summary
Following its merger with Catholic Health Initiatives in 2021, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has implemented significant changes, including the closure of its only birth center in Seattle and revisions to employee insurance that will no longer cover abortions and vasectomies. These decisions have narrowed reproductive health options and sparked concerns among staff and the community, emphasizing the restrictive nature of religious healthcare directives. The merger has led to a reduction in services traditionally available in secular institutions, affecting access to care and aligning more closely with Catholic ethical guidelines, despite legal protections for such services in Washington state.
Relevance
The article mentions how the merger led to a reduction in service available in secular institutions and the 'restrictive nature of religious healthcare institutions'. This is important as it shows how these events are reported on, and echos alot of public sentiment about catholic healthcare. The article itself ties this move to a 'broader trend'.