By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
After months of controversy, Boston’s Cardinal Sean P. O’Mally has decided to end a proposed joint venture between Caritas Christi Health Care and Centene, a health care provider that offers abortion and sterilization services.
According to the Boston Globe, the dramatic development came just days before the joint venture was scheduled to start providing care to low-income residents as part of the state’s efforts to establish near universal health coverage. The proposal sparked a months-long debate about whether a liaison between the two would amount to condoning abortion and sterilization. Cardinal O’Malley apparently decided it would and opted to end the deal.
“I am pleased that Caritas Christi was able to achieve this outcome,” Cardinal O’Malley said about his decision.
“Throughout this process, our singular goal has been to provide for the needs of the poor and underserved in a manner that is fully and completely in accord with Catholic moral teaching. By withdrawing from the joint venture and serving the poor as a provider in the Connector, upholding Catholic moral teaching at all times, they are able to carry forward the critical mission of Catholic health care.”
The fact that the Cardinal withdrew from the venture in spite of the financial difficulties it would have resolved at Caritas is only earning him more praise for the decision.
“ . . . (W)e congratulate Cardinal O’Malley on his commitment to the Faith – even during this time of severe financial crisis,” said Judie Brown, founder of the American Life League (ALL).
“What happened in Boston will ring out far beyond the potential scandal that could have involved Caritas Christi and thereby the Archdiocese. Cardinal O’Malley’s reaffirmation of the Faith, when it would have been all too easy to compromise, is a sign of the vitality of United States Catholics’ commitment to human life and personhood.”
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