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Feds Investigate Hospitals Over Religious Exemptions From Gender-Affirming Care
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights has launched investigations under the Church Amendments into healthcare providers who claim religious exemptions for refusing to provide gender-affirming care. The investigations mark the first time HHS has explicitly stated that the Church Amendments cover refusal of gender-affirming services and that misgendering patients may be included under these protections.
By: Kate Wells
“Women’s health?” It's Abortion: Africa’s Catholic Activists Want Reproductive Healthcare Bill in Sierra Leone Rejected
Catholic activists under CitizenGo Africa, led by Ann Kioko, are urging Sierra Leone’s legislators to reject the “Safe Motherhood and Reproductive Health Care Act 2024” insisting it would effectively legalize abortion. In a petition, they claim the bill permits abortion up to 14 weeks “for any reason” and even late-term terminations under ambiguous criteria like “mental health” or fetal abnormalities, with no safeguards. They warn the bill is driven by foreign donors—like the Gates Foundation, USAID, and UNFPA—who, they allege, are disguising abortion as care. CitizenGo argues the legislation lacks clarity and consent, labeling it “morally evil, dangerous, and a threat to our children and our future.”
By: Silas Isenjina
Ethicist makes case for conscientious objection by Catholic health care providers
Ethicist Xavier Symons argues that allowing conscientious objection in Catholic healthcare respects providers’ dignity and helps prevent moral distress. Speaking during a CHA‑hosted webinar, Symons emphasized how conscience connects general moral principles with individual clinical decisions. He noted objections aren’t limited to abortion or euthanasia but may extend to other procedures deemed manifestly unethical. Symons asserts that enforcing a strict separation between personal and professional values is unrealistic and potentially harmful, and he advocates recognizing conscientious objection as morally commendable rather than a professional hindrance.
By: Lisa Eisenhauer
Catholic health leaders object to House-passed Medicaid reforms in ‘big, beautiful bill’
Key Catholic health leaders—including the Catholic Health Association, Ascension, Providence, Trinity Health, and SSM Health—publicly opposed the House’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” warning that its Medicaid reforms could strip over 10 million people of coverage. The reforms introduced work mandates, stricter documentation requirements, caps on provider tax funding, and limits on immigrant access. CHA President Sister Mary Haddad cautioned that these changes threaten vital safety-net services and would weaken hospitals and communities. Executives stressed how dependent their patient base is on Medicaid for access to care.
By: Taylor Arnold
Her miscarriage showed the limits of California’s abortion protections. Where you live matters
The article reports on a legal battle between California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Providence, a major Catholic health system, over the hospital’s refusal to provide an emergency abortion for Anna Nusslock . The state alleges that Providence violated California's health and civil rights laws by denying stabilizing care to a patient facing pregnancy complications. Providence has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that its Catholic directives are constitutionally protected, but a judge has allowed the case to proceed. The outcome could have significant implications for how religious hospitals operate in California, particularly as they control a large portion of maternity care in rural areas.
By: Kristen Hwang
Catholic health care leaders sound alarm on proposed Medicaid cuts
The article discusses how proposed Medicaid cuts in the United States could significantly impact Catholic healthcare providers. It explains that Catholic hospitals and clinics rely heavily on Medicaid funding to serve low-income and vulnerable populations. The cuts threaten to reduce access to essential healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas where Catholic institutions often play a crucial role. The piece also highlights concerns from healthcare leaders about the potential consequences for patient care and the sustainability of faith-based health services.
By: Kevin Clarke
Hospital keeps brain-dead woman alive to save unborn baby, citing Georgia law
A hospital in Georgia kept a brain-dead pregnant woman, Adriana Smith, on life support to preserve the life of her unborn baby, citing the state’s LIFE Act, which restricts abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected. Smith was declared brain dead after suffering brain clots while nine weeks pregnant. The hospital maintained life support for over 90 days until the baby was delivered prematurely via emergency C-section. The woman was then removed from life support.
By: Amira Abuzeid
Pro-lifers protest law attacking conscience protections in New South Wales, Australia
Pro-life advocates in New South Wales, Australia, protested against the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025, which requires healthcare workers with conscientious objections to abortion to refer patients to providers who will perform the procedure. The protest included clergy, bishops, and public figures such as Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. They argued that the bill undermines conscience protections and threatens religious freedom within healthcare.
By: Madalaine Elhabbal
Idaho governor signs bill to protect religious, conscience rights of doctors and nurses
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation enhancing religious freedom protections for medical professionals. The law recognizes the right of conscience as fundamental, allowing healthcare workers, institutions, and payers to opt out of procedures or services conflicting with their religious, moral, or ethical beliefs without facing retaliation. This measure addresses concerns over mandatory participation in procedures like abortion, contraception, or gender-transition treatments.
By: Tyler Arnold
Ohio Catholic hospital resolves First Amendment dispute over ‘body cavity’ search
Mercy Health, a Catholic hospital in Ohio, was involved in a legal dispute concerning a request by local police to conduct a body cavity search on a detainee brought to the hospital's emergency room. The attending physicians declined, citing ethical concerns and potential risks to the patient's health, including the possibility of releasing drugs into the patient's system. In response, police terminated an agreement with the hospital to provide policing services on its campus. The situation escalated to a federal lawsuit, alleging violations of the hospital's constitutional rights.
By: Daniel Payne
LMDC Commences Investigation into Alleged Medical Wrongful Death at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is currently investigating allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death involving 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who died during a procedure at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The investigation commenced with a preliminary hearing at the LMDC headquarters on January 10, 2025, attended by the deceased’s family and hospital representatives. Chaired by Prof. Peter S. Coleman, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is leading the inquiry, ensuring a thorough and transparent process. The LMDC has called for public patience and reaffirmed its commitment to justice and credibility throughout the ongoing investigation.
By: James-Emmanuel D. Cole Jr.
Catholic Archdiocese begs for pardon
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is currently investigating allegations of medical malpractice and wrongful death involving 21-year-old Isaiah Benedicto Williams, who died during a procedure at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital. The investigation commenced with a preliminary hearing at the LMDC headquarters on January 10, 2025, attended by the deceased’s family and hospital representatives. Chaired by Prof. Peter S. Coleman, the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is leading the inquiry, ensuring a thorough and transparent process. The LMDC has called for public patience and reaffirmed its commitment to justice and credibility throughout the ongoing investigation.
By: Wise Wesseh
Providence Accuses Union of Bad Faith While Claiming Readiness to Negotiate faith-based hospitals January 2025
In Oregon, a major strike involving about 5,000 healthcare workers, including nurses and doctors, began on January 10, 2025, marking the state's largest healthcare strike. The workers are demanding better compensation, improved conditions, and more staff to ensure quality patient care. Tensions have escalated between Providence Medical Group and the Oregon Nurses Association, with accusations of bad-faith bargaining and complaints about negotiation delays. Providence is open to resuming negotiations at some facilities, while the union insists on addressing systemic healthcare issues. The standoff continues as both sides seek a fair resolution.
By: Angelina Walker
Nurse sues Novant Health Center in Matthews for alleged religious discrimination
Kristine Matthies, a nurse at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, is suing the hospital for religious discrimination. Hired in 2016, Matthies requested a religious exemption from receiving the flu shot, citing her beliefs. While on leave to care for her father, her exemption request was denied without her knowledge, and she missed the appeal deadline. Previously, she had been granted an exemption for the COVID-19 vaccine. After submitting a late appeal, she was fired. The EEOC found reasonable cause to believe Matthies was denied a religious accommodation, violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Matthies is seeking $25,000 and other damages.
By: Brandy Beard
Lawsuit: City retaliated against Catholic hospital for refusing ‘body cavity’ drug search
A federal lawsuit has been filed by Mercy Health in Lorain, Ohio, alleging that city officials retaliated against the hospital and violated its constitutional rights after doctors refused to perform a body cavity search on a detainee. The hospital argues that the requested search posed a high risk of serious injury or death, potentially releasing drugs into the patient's system. Following the refusal, the police terminated their security services agreement with the hospital, leading to increased risks for the facility and its community. The lawsuit highlights that the hospital's refusal is supported by its Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives, which allow practitioners to opt out of procedures they morally oppose.
By: Daniel Payne
St. Joseph hospital seeks dismissal of abortion lawsuit, cites religious freedom
Providence St. Joseph Hospital is contesting a lawsuit by the California Attorney General, which claims the hospital denied necessary abortion services, violating state law. The hospital argues its religious beliefs, protected under the First Amendment, justify its actions. The lawsuit centers on an incident where a woman was denied an abortion despite medical advice, leading to severe health risks. The hospital maintains that its Catholic identity and adherence to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services dictate its healthcare practices, even when they involve denying abortions that medical professionals deem necessary for patient health.
By: Thadeus Greenson
Canada Launches ‘national consultation' on ‘advance requests' for euthanasia
The Canadian government is seeking public feedback on a proposal to allow "advance requests" for euthanasia, enabling individuals to arrange for medically assisted death before becoming incapacitated. This initiative follows Quebec's earlier adoption of similar policies for patients diagnosed with severe, incurable illnesses like Alzheimer’s. While the federal government describes this as a complex issue, it aims to ensure that the euthanasia program is responsive to Canadians' needs, supports autonomy, and protects vulnerable individuals. This proposal continues the expansion of the MAiD program, which has been contentious since its inception in 2016.
By: Daniel Payne
British government Makes puberty blocker ban for kids permanent
The United Kingdom has permanently banned the prescription of puberty blockers for children undergoing gender transition, citing safety concerns. This decision by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) follows advice from the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), which highlighted an unacceptable safety risk and instances of poor medical practices in the prescribing environment. The DHSC emphasized the need for a safer prescribing environment and criticized the practices of private practitioners, especially those prescribing to U.K. children from abroad.
By: Tyler Arnold
Catholic healthcare providers can't be forced to do gender surgeries: U.S. Court
A U.S. appeals court has ruled that the Biden administration cannot compel Catholic healthcare providers to perform gender transition surgeries, citing a violation of their religious freedoms. The courts found that enforcing this requirement under the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits sex discrimination in healthcare, infringes on the religious rights protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. This ruling highlights the ongoing legal and ethical debates surrounding healthcare provisions and religious beliefs in the context of gender identity and transition-related care.
By: Daniel Wiessner
Nicaraguan dictatorship bans priests from anointing the sick in hospitals
The Nicaraguan government, under President Ortega, has banned priests from administering the anointing of the sick in public hospitals, marking a new chapter in the regime's persecution of Catholics. Lawyers and exiled Nicaraguan activists, have been speaking out against these measures, documenting the growing repression. Priests are reportedly under surveillance, with some facing threats and forced exile, including one priest who fled after receiving death threats. Over 250 persecuted Catholics, including bishops and seminarians, now live in exile, some finding refuge in Rome. The NGO "Nicaragua Never Again" reports that the regime has shut down over 1,200 religious entities, calling it the worst repression of the Catholic Church in the country’s history.
By: Rome Reports