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The Powerful Constraints on Medical Care in Catholic Hospitals Across America
The article highlights a case involving a pregnant woman whose water broke prematurely, presenting a situation where her fetus had little chance of survival. Despite the woman's wishes to end the pregnancy, she was unable to receive intervention due to the hospital's adherence to Catholic directives that prohibit procedures like abortion. It highlights instances where patients are turned away from necessary care due to religious constraints, particularly in Catholic hospitals. Despite medical recommendations, patients may face delays or denials in receiving appropriate care, posing risks to their health.
By: Rachana Pradhan, Hannah Recht
Canada’s public health system is not equal for all
Canada's public health system, though founded on principles of equality and diversity, exhibits systemic biases adversely affecting Black Canadians. Studies reveal experiences of dehumanization, negligent communication, and unequal access to care among Black patients, leading to diminished trust and underutilization of healthcare services. These disparities are further exacerbated by socioeconomic barriers and a lack of culturally sensitive support systems. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving true healthcare equity and reform in Canada.
By: Rayana Jamasi
Canadian bishops warn government ‘fully committed’ to expanding assisted suicide
In this article, there is a focus on the proposed expansion on MAiD. The decision, criticized by Canada’s Catholic bishops, highlights concerns about the readiness of the healthcare system to support vulnerable individuals. The bishops oppose assisted suicide, emphasizing the sanctity of life and advocating for increased investment in mental health resources. Despite the pressure, Catholic healthcare institutions maintain their stance against participating in assisted suicide, asserting their commitment to Catholic teachings.
By: John Lavenburg
Ordinary Catholics must rise up against MAiD
This article discusses anti-euthanasia education material being delivered by parishes to Canadians. It addresses the efforts of the Christian Medical Dental Association and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sherwood, working together to bring an end to MAiD policies in Canada through lectures and open discussions. In Edmonton, those in Catholic leadership positions are aiming to demand better support to keep 'living patients living' rather than turning to MAiD.
By: Quinton Amundson
Access to MAiD should not cater to faith-based interests
This article criticizes the B.C. Ministry of Health's plan to accommodate MAiD services at St. Paul's Hospital. The author argues that the proposed solution (which involves creating a separate space for MAiD services due to the hospital's Catholic affiliation) is unconstitutional. The article highlights concerns about patient suffering caused by forced transfers, challenges to patient-centred care, and the infringement of constitutional rights in faith-based healthcare settings. There is emphasis on a redesign of the plan to prioritize patient needs over religious considerations.
By: Jocelyn Downie, Daphne Gilbert
Catholic Church challenging Quebec MAID law in court on religious freedom grounds
The lawsuit discussed in the article argues that the Catholic Church should be exempt from a section of the law requiring all palliative care homes in the province to offer medical assistance in dying. It claims the law forces the church into an unsolvable dilemma: either cease supporting its palliative care center or "accept that their property, a former church, be used to carry out acts they consider morally unacceptable."
By: Jacob Serebrin
Is the Catholic church getting "bailed out" when it comes to MAID in BC?
St. Paul’s Hospital in BC is now offering MAiD, but the process is complicated due to its affiliation with Providence Healthcare, a faith-based organization. Critics, including Dying with Dignity, argue that the current setup, requiring transfers to a separate facility, causes unnecessary suffering and delays. Many healthcare professionals support MAiD but are restricted by religious policies. The BC Ministry of Health has responded with plans for a dedicated MAiD space by 2024. However, critics like Scott Harrison believe more immediate solutions are needed, questioning the province's political will to resolve the issue.
By: Amir Ali
National Catholic Health Care Week: We Carry On The Healing Ministry of Jesus
National Catholic Health Care Week takes place Feb. 4-10. This article emphasizes the importance in marking the occasion, so Canada does not lose sight of "the extraordinary gift that we have in our country of Catholic health care."
It also discusses the sense of the dignity and sanctity of every human life, which Catholic healthcare principles stand on. The Archdiocese of Edmonton released a message for the 2024 celebration, titled ‘Hope and Dignity: A Catholic Response to Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.’
By: The Archdiocese of Edmonton
Pro-Euthanasia Activists to Sue Catholic Hospital in Canada
Pro-euthanasia activists, supported by Dying with Dignity Canada, are preparing to sue St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver for its refusal to provide medical assistance in dying (MAiD) within its facilities. The lawsuit challenges the hospital's adherence to Catholic ethical guidelines that oppose euthanasia. This legal action highlights the tension between secular advocacy groups and religious healthcare institutions regarding the provision of assisted suicide services in Canada.
By: Thomas McKenna
MAiD for mental illness must be stopped, not paused, Catholic and legal experts say
Archbishop J. Michael Miller welcomed the federal government's decision to delay the expansion of MAiD for individuals with mental illness but expressed disappointment that the government still intends to proceed with the expansion in the future. Advocates said the delay is not a victory, as proponents of MAiD are likely to continue their efforts during the pause. Legal experts and advocacy groups argue for a permanent pause on the expansion.
Phil Horgan, Catholic Civil Rights League: "The 'system' has gone far beyond anything contemplated by our Supreme Court. Perhaps some humility is in order."
By: The B.C. Catholic
Atlantic Health, Saint Peter's Healthcare announce merger plans
In June 2024, Atlantic Health System and Saint Peter's Healthcare System signed a definitive agreement to merge, aiming to enhance healthcare services in central New Jersey. Pending approvals from federal, state, and Church authorities, Atlantic Health will become the sole corporate member of Saint Peter's, which will retain its Catholic mission and identity. The merger plans include implementing Atlantic Health's Epic electronic health record system at Saint Peter's to improve care efficiency and safety. Additionally, significant capital investments are planned to expand outpatient services and strengthen integrated clinical offerings.
By: Susan Loyer
Letters: Questions about St.Paul’s Hospital
Letters to the editor highlight the disapproval of MAiD in the Catholic healthcare community. "Hospital staff need to be educated to stand strong against any compliance with this evil and know their right to conscience protection."
"Our bishops need to call everyone to urgently fast and pray for the end of this scourge of MAID happening in most Canadian hospitals now, or adjacent to them."
By: Letters to the Editor
Canada’s Bishops ‘urgently’ trying to counter State euthanasia expansion
In this article, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes the expansion of Canada's assisted suicide law to include people with mental illness. It emphasized the need for increased investment in mental health resources instead. They affirm their opposition to assisted suicide, asserting that Catholic healthcare institutions will not perform it. Despite pressure they remained firm stating that these actions would violate Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life. The bishops called for respect for their institutions' identities and urged lawmakers to prioritize the well-being of citizens. They affirm their commitment to supporting patients' safe discharge and transfer of care when choosing options not offered by Catholic healthcare institutions.
By: Crux Staff
Growing skills is paramount at Unity Health Toronto
Sonya Canzian, a registered nurse at St. Michael’s Hospital, now part of the Unity Health Toronto network, is dedicated to providing the best possible care. After 20 years as a nurse, she now serves as the Executive Vice President of Clinical Programs, People, and Chief Nursing & Health Professions Officer at Unity Health. Canzian highlights the benefits of being part of Unity Health, particularly its commitment to staff education and development: “It is our duty to be forward-thinking so that our staff are well-prepared to face new challenges and ever-changing environments. All of our full- and part-time employees have access to education funds to support lifelong learning and career development.”
By: The Globe and Mail
Canadian Bishops oppose euthanasia in Catholic Health Facilities
This article is an affirmation of the Catholic community's stance on MAiD, in light of broad expansion in Canada: "Despite the pressure being applied to Catholic healthcare institutions by some Canadians and Canadian organizations to perform, or to provide through a third-party, 'Medical Assistance in Dying/MAiD,' in other words euthanasia or assisted suicide, the Catholic Church, which regards life as sacred and inviolable, remains firm in its opposition to MAiD."
By: Archdiocese of Toronto
Government taking property from St. Paul’s Hospital to deliver MAiD
The B.C. government has rolled out a plan to provide MAiD at St. Paul’s Hospital by making it available on a property neighbouring the hospital. This would create a ‘clinical space’ where St. Paul’s patients could receive MAiD without having to transfer.
‘The government said the “clinical space” will be staffed by Vancouver Coastal Health staff and be connected by a corridor to St. Paul’s. Patients who want MAiD will be discharged from the hospital and transferred to the care of Vancouver Coastal Health.’
By: Paul Schratz
On anniversary of partner's death, Vancouver man asks why local hospital still won't allow MAID
"Christina Bates, who at age 53 was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, was in palliative care at St Paul’s Hospital when she was forced to be transferred to Vancouver General Hospital on the morning of Nov. 7, 2021, in order to fulfill her wish of medical assistance in dying, or MAiD." Her partner at the time voices his frustration and the impact that this had "It was a stressful morning, the process was really painful,” he said, adding “There is a conversation I never got to have with her, because of interruptions and confusion and disarray around this.”
By: Shannon Paterson
Medical Assistance in Dying: Majority say religiously affiliated hospitals should not be forced to provide MAID
A poll gauging Canadians’ opinions about transfers when it comes to MAiD patients in Catholic Hospitals. Findings highlight that Quebec is the only province in the country where less than a majority feel a religious-affiliated health-care facility should transfer the patient if they request MAiD.
By: Angus Reid Institute
Over half of Canadians say MAID isn't a must for religious hospitals: Poll
This article discusses the findings of a poll conducted in September 2023 that showed over 60% of Canadians think MAiD should not be forced in faith-based hospitals. "The poll found 70% of Canadians believe morally or religiously opposed health-care practitioners should make a referral if a patient asks for MAID.”
By: Jane Stevenson
The Role of the Catholic Church in Healthcare Provision Globally
The article discusses the significant role of the Catholic Church in global healthcare provision. It highlights that the Church contributes to about 25% of healthcare services worldwide highlighting the historical importance of Catholic hospitals, particularly those established by Irish Nuns. It also mentions the challenges faced by Catholic healthcare institutions in maintaining their faith values while facing pressure to provide services that conflict with their beliefs.
By: Matt Moran