Paul KeenanThe Catholic bishops’ conference has described a lawsuit against it brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) as “misguided”.
Last week, The Irish Catholic reported on the legal action, alleging negligence against the bishops, under whose tenure, Catholic hospitals do not offer abortion as a medical option for women suffering complications during pregnancy.
Responding to the action, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, newly elected president of the bishops’ conference said he and his fellow prelates would defend not only the sanctity of life, but the services provided by the institutions under their control.
“A robust Catholic presence in health care helps build a society where medical providers show a fierce devotion to the life and health of each patient, including those most marginalised and in need,” Archbishop Kurtz pointed out. “It witnesses against a utilitarian calculus about the relative value of different human lives.
“The US Conference of Catholic Bishops will continue to defend these principles in season and out, and we will defend ourselves against this misguided lawsuit.”