Boston, Mass., Mar 10, 2009 / 03:50 am
A proposed joint insurance venture between a Massachusetts Catholic health care network and a nonreligious health organization is being criticized for potentially covering abortions and other “confidential family planning services.” However, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley said he has been assured that the venture will not violate Catholic ethics.
The Caritas Christi Health Care network, which is affiliated with the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, is considering a partnership with Centene Corp. to enter into the state’s subsidized health program, Commonwealth Care.
The Boston Globe reports that under the proposal contracts with healthcare providers would be negotiated by Centene, not the archdiocese. Caritas hospitals will make up only six of the 39 hospitals and 66 health centers providing service under the plan.
Caritas hospitals will not provide abortion services, saying in as statement that it will follow Catholic moral teaching and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ ethical guidelines “at all times and in all cases.”