June 30, 2023
Philadelphia, Pa. – June 30, 2023 – The Catholic Medical Association (CMA-USA), the largest association of Catholic medical professionals in the U.S., calls for all Catholic hospitals and health systems to provide authentic health care in accordance with Church teaching. At a time of rapid advancement in technology and moral relativism influencing clinical practices, it is essential for Catholic health care institutions to faithfully follow Christ’s teachings so as to not cause confusion or do harm.
Recent troubling news reports claim that several hospitals and medical centers under the auspices of the largest Catholic health system in the U.S. are providing referrals for hormone interventions and puberty-blocking drugs to children, as well as conducting abortions, dispensing contraception, and performing sterilizations.
When Catholic health care institutions do not remain consistent with the Church’s social doctrine, scandal and confusion abound.
“Catholic health care is a ministry rooted in a commitment to promote and defend human dignity. When we fail to respect the sacredness of every human life from the moment of conception until natural death, we fail in our purpose and mission that has been our legacy,” said CMA President Dr. Craig L. Treptow.
Catholic health care makes up the largest group of nonprofit health care providers in the nation. Therefore, Catholic medical professionals have a responsibility to be a leading voice in the national discussion currently taking place around policies and actions that are contrary to the dignity and vocation of the human person.
“It is a legacy we must work hard to preserve despite the attacks and pressure to conform to unproven and unethical clinical practices in vogue today,” said Dr. Greg F. Burke, co-chair of the CMA Ethics Committee.
CMA is committed to helping medical professionals understand this special vocation in carrying forth Christ’s healing ministry. One way is through the high-quality annual conferences that have been inspiring and supporting such professionals for nearly a century. This year’s conference, “Be Not Afraid: Courageous Catholic Medicine,” will be held in Phoenix, Arizona.
