50% of health care in Washington State is restricted by religious directives of the Catholic Church
The basic tenet of comprehensive health care is care that is patient-focused and compassionate. Access to care should be guided by medical standards and clinical principles and not be based on religious restrictions. Patients should not have to forfeit their autonomy and accept care based on others’ beliefs. Due to medical system mergers, 50% of health care in the state of Washington is governed by the Ethical and Religious Directives (ERDs) of the Catholic church. These directives dictate the care given or denied in all Catholic and Catholic affiliated facilities. Here are some of the medical services blocked by these directives:
- Abortion is prohibited with no exceptions, including rape, incest or age. It is also prohibited in cases of fetal anomalies, such as anencephaly and neural tubal defects in which parts of the brain or spinal cord are formed or missing. In severe cases the baby may die within the womb or a few hours after birth.
- Miscarriage treatment is denied or delayed unless the life of the mother is at stake, increasing the likelihood of organ failure, hemorrhage or the potential development of sepsis. The prevalence of Catholic hospitals has increased the risk of pregnancy dramatically in Washington state.
- Contraception is prohibited in all forms except for the Catholic church teachings of “family planning,” including birth control pills, hormone injections (such as Depo-Provera), and IUDs. Permanent sterilizations (tubal ligations and vasectomies) are allowed for medical reasons only – not as elective choices.
- Infertility treatments (including IVF) are not allowed
- Surrogacy is forbidden
- Gender affirming care is strictly forbidden, both surgically and with hormonal treatment
- End of life decisions such as Medical Aid in Dying (MAID; or ‘Death with Dignity’ in Washington state) are denied; advance directives are frequently ignored