P.P.S. The "Ca-Ching" factor

P.P.S. It should be noted that the top administrators of CHAUSA-affiliated "Catholic" hospitals in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia live in an economic stratosphere far removed from that of numerous Catholic health professionals whose livelihoods are placed at risk by the conscience-protection free Affordable Care Act:

• For 2011, Holy Redeemer CEO Michael Laign received total compensation of $767,949 (https://www.citizenaudit.org/231534300/#2013_05_EO/23-1534300_990_201206.pdf).
• For 2011, St Mary Medical Center President and CEO Greg Wozniak received total compensation of $738,022 (https://www.citizenaudit.org/232567468/#2012_12_EO/23-2567468_990_201112.pdf).
• For 2011, Mercy Health System of Southeast Pa President and CEO H. Ray Welch, Jr received total compensation of $1,242,663 (https://www.citizenaudit.org/232212638/#2012_12_EO/23-2212638_990_201112.pdf).

Financially, these top administrators would appear to have little incentive to "rock the boat" and adopt authentic Catholic identities for their facilities. 

"end of life" guidance that is murky, at best

P.S. Wouldn't you agree that some written materials on "end of life" care, provided by "Catholic" hospitals in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, " are seriously deficient?  For example,

• neither Saint Mary's Advanced Directives and Living Wills, 
• nor Holy Redeemer's Making Your Own Health Care Decisions

properly specify

1. Catholic teaching with regard to nutrition and hydration, and
2. that health care services cannot honor advance directives (e.g., non-specific directives to forego nutrition and hydration) opposed to Catholic teaching

If our "Catholic" hospitals are not being clear about Catholic medical ethics, how can Catholic laity be expected to be aware of them?

"The diocesan Bishop is obliged, if necessary, to make known to the faithful the fact that the activity of a particular charitable agency is no longer being carried out in conformity with the Church’s teaching, and then to prohibit that agency from using the name 'Catholic'"

Your Excellency:

While the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference continues to ask us to advocate for for conscience protections, the Catholic Health Association of the USA (CHAUSA) is flaunting its role in passing the conscience-protection free Affordable Care Act and its association with Obamacare's primary architect.

"This week, President Obama was invited to address the leadership of the Catholic Health Association—a group that represents and supports Catholic hospital systems across the country. He addressed concerns about the future of healthcare, especially the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act threatens the religious liberty of American Christians, and the president’s address failed to recognize that.  The Catholic Health Association claimed to be 'delighted and honored' to welcome President Obama to their assembly. Of course, patriotism is a virtue, and we should always be glad to dialogue with our civic leaders. But we should also tell the truth. This week, thousands of Catholic doctors, members of the Catholic Medical Association, called upon the president to withdraw his threats to our basic religious liberties. We should be truly 'delighted' when the Affordable Care Acts ceases to threaten our fundamental religious liberties.  Thousands of doctors, from across the country, understand that health care coverage should not come at the expense of the rights of families, or the rights of religious believers. No just law can be based on injustice. Each one of us needs to continue to pray for the end to the contraceptive mandate, the end to federal support for abortion rights, and for authentic health care reform, which makes health insurance affordable while supporting the fundamental, God-given rights of the family" (Most Rev.James Conley, Bishop of Lincoln, 6/11/15).

With the CHAUSA's uncritical accolades for the Affordable Care Act, how can any Catholic health professional - especially one working in a secular setting - expect to have recognized her/his own right to conscientious objection recognized?  Why are the CHAUSA-affiliated hospitals in our own archdiocese continued to be allowed to call themselves, "Catholic"?

• There is NOT ONE OBGYN in the directory of the Mercy Health System of Southeast Pa, who can be identified on One More Soul's list of NFP only OBGYNs. 
• St Mary Medical Center's directory includes one OB/GYN who can be found on the NFP-only list, but 27 others who cannot be found.  The directory also includes three perinatologists (i.e., 1, 2, and 3) from Abington Perinatal Associates - a practice reported to be involved with fetal "reduction" (See # 1, # 2, and # 3.). 
• While Holy Redeemer's physician directory includes one OB/GYN who can be found on an NFP-only list, 21 others cannot be found.  I also count 6 physicans (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) from Reproductive Medicine Associates of Philadelphia and Abington Reproductive Medicine, where people can choose from a smorgasbord of morally excluded services, such as egg/embryo/sperm "donation," IVF, and "surrogacy." 

 

With CHAUSA's continued betrayal, our hope for authentic conscience protection is greatly dimmed.  

"Art. 11. – The diocesan Bishop is obliged, if necessary, to make known to the faithful the fact that the activity of a particular charitable agency is no longer being carried out in conformity with the Church’s teaching, and then to prohibit that agency from using the name 'Catholic' [emphasis added] and to take the necessary measures should personal responsibilities emerge" (Apostolic Letter Issued 'Motu Proprio' of the Supreme Pontiff Benedict XVI on the Services of Charity).

Especially with the World Meeting of Families and the Holy Father's visit fast approaching, please remove permission for the Mercy Health System of SE Pa, St. Mary Medical Center, and Holy Redeemer to continue to identify themselves as "Catholic."

Sincerely,