In a cynical attempt to defeat a wrongful death lawsuit a major Catholic health provider has successfully argued a fetus at seven months does not have the same legal rights as a person. The legal argument stands in defiance of church doctrine, and reflects a flagrant moral hypocrisy.
The case involves the 2006 death of a 31-year-old woman seven months pregnant with twin boys, who was brought in to the emergency room at St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, Colorado, on New Year's Day. The woman’s husband filed a wrongful death suit, claiming that her doctor should have at least instructed ER personnel to perform an emergency C-section. The suit states that the hospital's negligence resulted the deaths of three individuals — his wife, and his two unborn but post-viability sons. In response, Catholic Health Initiatives, claimed the husband had no grounds to sue them for the loss of three lives, because a fetus is not technically a "person" under Colorado law.
Catholic Health Initiatives, runs over 170 health facilities in 17 states. Last year, the hospital chain reported national assets of $15 billion. The organization’s mission, according to its promotional literature, is to “nurture the healing ministry of the Church” and to be guided by “fidelity to the Gospel.” However, as this case makes readily apparent, and contrary to their self proclaimed mission, Catholic Health Initiatives shows fidelity to the almighty dollar, first and foremost. Church doctrine, moral responsibility, and simple decency finish last.
The flagrant hypocrisy of the Roman Catholic Church, and institutions subordinate to her, should come as a surprise to no one. The moral corruption of the Catholic Church is complete. After all, an institution that protects and enables pedophiles, is capable of any and all manner of moral transgression.
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