By Ashton Becker

The Catholic healthcare system has endangered the lives of countless women with their strict adherence to the Ethical and Religious Directives; a set of rules which apply Catholic beliefs to medical care and prohibit use of certain medical services and procedures. These rules are created by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, not medical professionals. In addition to the dangers imposed by these restrictive rules, Catholic healthcare facilities have failed to inform women of them and have subjected them to great harm. 

One of the most evident restrictions is outlined directive 45, which prohibits abortion and in turn any procedures related to miscarriage, even if it is an ectopic pregnancy or necessary to save a women’s life. Due to this, they are unable to perform a procedure known as a dilation and curettage. This procedure involves removing tissue from the inside of a uterus and is done for several reasons including abnormal bleeding, remaining placental tissue following birth, after a miscarriage or in association with an early abortion. 

It is important for people to become aware of these restrictions as one in six hospital beds in America fall under the domain of the Catholic healthcare system and one in four pregnancies result in miscarriage. Not to mention that in some communities, a Catholic hospital is all they have available. Additionally, the employees of these facilities do not seem inclined to share information with patients in regards to the directives. This has unfortunately been the case with many women who have been denied services during a medical emergency with no explanation of forewarning. 

Katherine Stewart, an author and journalist for the New York Times, shared her cautionary tale in an opinion piece. Stewart was rushed to a nearby hospital during her pregnancy after excessive blood loss. So much so that she had been passing in and out of consciousness. After arriving at the closest hospital, a Catholic one, she awaited further medical assistance. However, she laid there for hours without receiving care, aside from her blood-soaked sheets being changed periodically. She pleaded with doctors who walked by to help her. It was not until four hours after her arrival and nearly 40% blood loss that action was taken. Stewart was in fact in need of a dialation and curettage, which the hospital had no intention of doing and only did so when she was on the very brink of death and themselves a potential lawsuit. 

This is an incredibly alarming story which is just one of many. It illustrates that the Catholic healthcare system’s “ethical code” is prioritizing their religious beliefs above the safety and wellbeing of patients. The behavior also seems to conflict with the Hippocratic oath, a requirement of all physicians. Women are being denied the care that they so desperately need. While it is important to recognize religious freedom, it is arguably more important to refrain from taking chances with one’s life. 

Photo via Flickr