A proposal by Caritas Christi Health Care network to join with a health organization that would cover abortions and family planning services is coming under fire from pro-life groups, though Norwood Hospital reportedly would not be providing abortion services.
Under the proposal, Boston Archdiocese-affiliated Caritas would join St. Louis-based Centene Corp. to participate in the state's subsidized health program, Commonwealth Care. The new joint venture would be called Commonwealth Family Health Plan and it would reportedly offer a full range of family planning services.
Norwood Hospital is part of the Caritas Christi network, which is controlled by the Archdiocese of Boston. Norwood Hospital, as part of that network, adheres to Catholic doctrine and has not provided abortion services.
The state is scheduled to vote March 12 on whether to accept the Caritas-Centene bid.
Norwood Hospital officials directed calls on the matter to the system's main Boston office.
Caritas Christi Vice President of Marketing Teresa Prego said "(Norwood Hospital) will continue to offer the same services they are offering now."
Marie Sturgis, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens For Life, the state's largest pro-life organization boasting more than 100,000 members, said yesterday she hasn't been inundated with calls from membership, but said she expects many members are not yet aware of the potential changes.
"We are very concerned about it," said Sturgis. "We're very concerned this will lead to an increase in abortion in the state."
Sturgis said her understanding is that while abortion services may not be performed at Norwood Hospital, the system will still be making referrals.
"Everything I've read has indicated there will be referrals for these services and that will impact the conscience of some medical professionals," said Sturgis. "In terms of Norwood, my concern would be for the consciences of the people working there who may have taken those jobs under the assumption they wouldn't have to deal with abortions."
Attempts to contact the Norwood chapter of Massachusetts Citizens For Life were unsuccessful.
Daily News staff writer Brian Falla can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bfalla@cnc.com.
