NEWS

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

Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has entered a formal sponsorship agreement with the Archdiocese of Atlanta and Emory Healthcare to preserve its Catholic identity. The agreement ensures the hospital follows the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, maintains strong chaplaincy and community outreach, and remains committed to compassionate care. Hospital leaders emphasized that the new structure will uphold the legacy of integrating faith, science, and mercy, continuing the mission established over 145 years ago.

By: Amira Abuzeid

A new Medical Assistance in Dying facility has opened adjacent to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, on land taken over by the provincial government. Connected via a corridor to the Catholic-run hospital, the clinic is staffed and operated by Vancouver Coastal Health rather than Providence Health Care, maintaining a strict separation. Providence clarifies that MAID is not performed within its Catholic facility, aligning with their religious directives.

By: Terry O’Neill

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 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

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

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

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

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

The PETA action alert condemns Providence Alaska Medical Center’s sponsorship of the Iditarod sled dog race, labeling it inconsistent with Catholic values of compassion. It reports that during the 2025 race, a pregnant dog named Ventana collapsed and died after running over 300 miles, and more than 180 dogs were pulled from the event due to injuries, illness, or exhaustion. PETA criticizes Providence for supporting this event and urges the healthcare provider to end its financial ties with the race

By: PETA

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

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has partnered with Build 2 Lead, a nonprofit in northwest Washington state, to support minority youth through education and empowerment initiatives. The collaboration aims to expose young people to various career paths, including those in health care, fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry. By investing in community-based programs, the health system demonstrates a commitment to addressing social determinants of health and promoting equity. ​

By: Julie Minda

This PBS NewsHour segment investigates how Catholic hospitals' adherence to religious directives can impede emergency care for pregnant women. It features the case of Anna Nusslock, who, at 15 weeks pregnant, experienced a premature rupture of membranes. Despite the life-threatening nature of her condition, Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California, declined to perform an abortion due to Catholic ethical guidelines. Nusslock was eventually transferred to another facility for care. The report highlights the tension between religious healthcare policies and medical standards, especially in rural areas where alternative options are limited.

By: Sarah Varney and Rachel Wellford

Catholic Health Initiatives-Iowa (CHI) is defending itself in a medical malpractice lawsuit by arguing that the loss of an unborn child does not constitute the death of a "person" under Iowa law, thereby limiting potential noneconomic damages. The lawsuit stems from the stillbirth of a 35-week-old fetus, Eloise, after CHI allegedly failed to diagnose and treat preeclampsia in the mother, Miranda Anderson. CHI contends that the state's malpractice cap on noneconomic damages applies, as the loss of a fetus is not recognized as "loss or impairment of mind or body." This position contrasts with Catholic ethical guidelines, which affirm the sanctity of life from conception. CHI has since withdrawn this argument, reaffirming its commitment to the belief that life begins at conception. ​

By: Clark Kauffman

Cathy Jenkins reflects on the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers, highlighting the profound moments of compassion and transformation witnessed in healthcare settings. She shares stories of caregivers' dedication, such as a wife tenderly feeding her husband who suffered a life-limiting stroke, and healthcare workers' joy in providing comfort to patients. Jenkins emphasizes that faith doesn't shield from suffering but offers a response through hope, love, and accompaniment. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel and Pope Francis's message, she underscores the capacity for change and renewal even in the face of illness. ​

By: Cathy Jenkins

This article examines the tension between the moral imperative of universal healthcare access and the realities of the U.S. healthcare system, highlighting the denial of medical claims by insurers and the ethical dilemmas faced by Catholic healthcare providers. It underscores the Church's teaching that healthcare is a human right, as articulated by Pope John XXIII in Pacem in Terris and Pope Francis in 2022, who emphasized that "health care is not a luxury, it is for everyone." The piece also features insights from Jesuit Father Michael Rozier, who discusses the challenges of aligning Catholic social teaching with the complexities of modern healthcare delivery. ​

By: Kimberly Heatherington

Catholic Health in Buffalo, New York, encourages its staff to share brief narratives of “sacred encounters”—moments of unexpected grace or connection in clinical settings. These stories, ranging from humorous to deeply moving, are collected on the system’s website and shared at leadership gatherings. One example recounts a nurse comforting a distressed patient after her shift, leading to the patient’s peaceful sleep. Chaplains like Rev. Cynthia Short and Rev. Geoffrey Hord view these moments as manifestations of divine presence in everyday care. The initiative aims to highlight the spiritual dimension of caregiving and reinforce Catholic Health’s mission of holistic, compassionate service.

By: Dale Singer

​Unity Health Toronto, one of Canada's largest Catholic healthcare networks, has appointed Altaf Stationwala as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 1, 2025. Stationwala brings extensive expertise in health system operations, integration, and digital transformation. Unity Health Toronto comprises St. Joseph’s Health Centre, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Providence Healthcare, and is renowned for its comprehensive patient care, research, and education initiatives. ​

By: Unity Health Toronto

​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

​Planned Parenthood of New York has announced plans to sell its only Manhattan facility, located at 26 Bleecker Street in the SoHo neighbourhood. The organization cites financial difficulties and the building's outdated infrastructure as reasons for the closure. This facility had been the focus of decades-long pro-life prayer vigils and peaceful protests. Pro-life advocates view the closure as a significant victory, attributing it to the power of persistent prayer and advocacy.

By: Madelaine Elhabbal

​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

In the March 2025 issue of Catholic Health World, a mission director addresses the challenges healthcare facilities face in ensuring workplace safety during mental health emergencies while upholding the dignity of patients. The piece highlights the role of mission directors in guiding ethical responses to such crises, and how the Catholic tradition could guide thinking about how to care for patients with mental health issues.

By: Valerie Schremp Hahn

Two nurses in New South Wales, Australia, are facing criminal and health prosecutions after a video surfaced on social media showing them making violent and discriminatory remarks against Israeli patients. The video, which drew widespread condemnation from political, medical, and community leaders, led to urgent audits of patient care at their workplace. In the video, one nurse claimed to send Israeli patients "to hell," while the other stated intentions to deny treatment and harm them.

By: Jack Gramenz, Luke Costin

A Catholic health team from St Elizabeth Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan, visited Mater Mothers' Hospital and Mater Private Hospital in Brisbane as part of a fact-finding mission to enhance healthcare services in Pakistan. The visit, led by Father Robert McCulloch and hospital administrator Eric Siraj, focused on learning from Australian medical practices to implement feasible improvements in Pakistan despite financial limitations. The partnership is bolstered by overseas funding, particularly from Australia, which has enabled significant advancements.

By: Staff Writers