Philadelphia Jesuit university finds ‘middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare’

March 25, 2009

The student newspaper at Jesuit-run St. Joseph University in Philadelphia describes how the university, in its words, finds the “middle ground between Church doctrine and student healthcare.” The article notes:

In regard to the accessibility of condoms, [director of student health services Laura] Hurst believes that the school's location offers enough convenience and opportunity to encourage students to purchase them. "We're very fortunate that were not in a very rural pocket, we're right here on City Avenue," she said. "Students can just walk to Rite Aid to get condoms, so they are easily accessible if they need them."

Discussing contraceptives, she adds:

While Catholic tradition has long discouraged the use of oral contraceptives at universities, Hurst maintained that the prescription of such drugs can lead to medical benefits when use is recommended by a physician. "It [oral contraception] does decrease your cramps and bleeding, and makes periods more regular, doctors even use it for acne," she said.

"We follow the Catholic/Jesuit values, and that hasn't changed at all," Hurst added. "It's always a fine line between staying within the values of the University, which we completely respect, and offering services to the students. We are fortunate that there are other medical centers in the area, and that there are health care providers other than us." Father Mark C. Aita, S.J., assistant director of the university’s Institute of Catholic Bioethics, commented on Pope Benedict’s recent remarks on condoms. "People are human beings, and one cannot expect people to be abstinent," he said. "I think the Pope justly could and should express the Catholic Church's position; however, when he discusses it he can also discuss compassion for those that can't follow the Church's position, of course not everyone is Catholic in Africa."

 

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Further information:

• Health Center provides health services while honoring Jesuit principles (The Hawk)
• Institute of Catholic Bioethics (St. Joseph University)