Colorado bishops pledge ‘full review’ of Catholic hospital’s policies, litigation

January 25, 2013

Colorado’s three bishops have responded to reports that a Catholic hospital argued in court that an unborn child should not be considered a “person” for purposes of a wrongful-death lawsuit.

“From the moment of conception, human beings are endowed with dignity and with fundamental rights, the most foundational of which is life,” the bishops said a statement. “Catholics and Catholic institutions have the duty to protect and foster human life, and to witness to the dignity of the human person—particularly to the dignity of the unborn. No Catholic institution may legitimately work to undermine fundamental human dignity.”

The bishops added:

Catholic Health Initiatives has been accused by some of undermining the Catholic position on human life in the course of litigation. Today, representatives of Catholic Health Initiatives assured us of their intention to observe the moral and ethical obligations of the Catholic Church.

The Catholic bishops of Colorado are not able to comment on ongoing legal disputes. However, we will undertake a full review of this litigation, and of the policies and practices of Catholic Health Initiatives to ensure fidelity and faithful witness to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Colorado Bishops Respond to Catholic Health Initiatives Allegations (Colorado Catholic Conference)
• In wrongful-death lawsuit, Catholic hospital argues fetus is not a person (CWN, 1/24)