Sterilization in Catholic Hospitals
To be minimally intrusive for the woman, sterilization should be performed as soon as possible after giving birth to her last child (usually immediately following delivery). However, many Catholic hospitals refuse to perform sterilizations (on both men and women). If a woman gives birth at a Catholic hospital, the hospital may refuse to sterilize her so she may have to travel long distances or outside of her insurance network to have the procedure. The following fact sheet explains the views of the church and how this issue applies to Wisconsin. The Catholic Church’s Perspective In the encyclical Humane Vitae (1968), Pope Paul VI said of sterilization: “To be excluded, as the teaching authority of the Church has frequently declared, is direct sterilization, whether perpetual or temporary, whether of the man or of the woman.” Since this proclamation, the church’s doctrine has remained largely unchanged. Guidelines for Catholic healthcare providers are set out in Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The guidelines include a prohibition on reproductive health services such as voluntary contraceptive sterilization, in vitro fertilization, prescribing or dispensing contraceptive devices, assisted suicides and abortions. Yet this unwillingness is contradicted by Catholic HMOs, 93% of which cover at least one form of contraception and 86% of which cover sterilization. Abortion services are largely unavailable through Catholic providers. However, even if a woman chooses not to go to a Catholic hospital, she may still be subject to these restrictions. When Catholic hospitals buy out or become affiliated with non-Catholic hospitals, as part of the merger agreement the Directives usually apply to the non-Catholic hospital as well, restricting access to important reproductive health services for women and men who rely upon these new Catholic facilities for health care. In November 2001, NARAL Pro-Choice America and other leading women’s health care advocates called for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to revise their Directives. They appealed to bishops’ to adhere to their commitment to their position on providing equitable healthcare for all, particularly low-income people who cannot afford health insurance. However, the bishops voted and ultimately decided against ending the ban on voluntary female sterilization at Catholic-affiliated hospitals. In Wisconsin Since 1974, Wisconsin has allowed physicians and hospital staff who object on moral or religious grounds to refuse to participate in sterilizations. The refusal of a person to participate may not be a basis for damages, discrimination in employment or education, disciplinary action, or other recriminatory action. This law also includes entities such as hospitals. Health care providers can refuse to perform sterilizations, even if they are vital to protect a woman’s life or health. 30% of Wisconsin’s hospitals are Catholic, with a total of 32 throughout the state. Four counties in Wisconsin (Douglas, Portage, Lincoln and Ozaukee) have only Catholic hospitals.
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