An Update on Scandalous OBGYN Practitioners in Philly's Catholic Hospitals

While correcting/updating OBGYNs in Philly Catholic Hospitals (6 19 12 update) (See attached), I was shocked to find that three physicians from Abington Perinatal Associates are also associated with St. Mary Medical Center (See below.).  Directive #71 of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services specifically tells us that

• "71. The possibility of scandal must be considered when applying the principles governing cooperation. Cooperation, which in all other respects is morally licit, may need to be refused because of the scandal that might be caused. Scandal can sometimes be avoided by an appropriate explanation of what is in fact being done at the health care facility under Catholic auspices. The diocesan bishop has final responsibility for assessing and addressing issues of scandal, considering not only the circumstances in his local diocese but also the regional and national implications of his decision.""

Even a CHAUSA publication has acknowledged that

• "If the individual is so notorious in the community that his or her activities give rise to scandal...then perhaps the healtcare provider can argue that its constitutional right to the free exercise of religion supersedes the statutory protection provided to the physician" (cf, When Physicians Perform Abortions Outside the Catholic Hospital, Health Progress, March/April 1998).

I struggle to understand the Archdiocese's seeming disinterest in these matters and pray that we are not witnessing a pattern of grievous misjudgement.