San Diego health workers assured of conscience rights at White Mass

EWTN News

Anthony DeBellis and Carl Bunderson

At the San Diego diocese’s second annual White Mass, Bishop Cirilo Flores  reminded the health care workers in attendance that their profession is an  expression of their Catholic faith.

“Some of you in the health care profession are facing issues of conscience  rights. You have the right to live your faith,” he preached at the Oct. 12 Mass.  “We must assist the government always, but worshiping God does not just mean at  Mass or other celebrations within the four walls of the church.”

“You live your faith in the world. You have the right and the obligation to  your conscience, which is paramount, and the government should not try to  restrict or force regulations that violate your consciences.”

The Mass was sponsored by both St. Gianna Physicians’ Guild and  Culture of Life Family Services,  and drew Catholics from across the diocese.

The “White Mass” is named for the traditional white coats and uniforms worn  by medical personnel and is a special way to honor health care professionals. In  addition to physicians and nurses, the Mass honors hospital personnel,  pharmacists, mental health specialists, hospice workers, medical students,  pastoral care givers and others. Read more

American Civil Liberties Union petitions against Catholic hospitals

The Washington State branch of the ACLU has prepared a petition to the state Governor to “ensure that religious ideology does not dictate the health care services a patient may choose.”  The organization asserts that patients are put “at risk” when hospitals are subject to religious guidelines. [NCR]

Australian and New Zealand palliative physicians oppose euthanasia

The Australia and New Zealand Society for Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM) has issued a statement opposing euthanasia and assisted suicide. Statements of this kind indicate that the legalization of the procedures would generate significant conflicts of conscience among members of the medical community.

Update on American HHS controversy

The Becket Fund reports that there are 79 court cases involving 200 plaintiffs now moving through the U.S. courts, challenging the federal regulation requiring employers with over 50 employees to provide health insurance for birth control and surgical sterilization.  Of the 40 lawsuits filed by for-profit corporations, 32 have been granted injunctions against the law, and only six refused.

 

Belgium considering euthanasia for children

Belgian politicians are debating a bill proposed by the governing Socialist party to legalize euthanasia for children (with parental consent).  The bill would also abolish the current 5 year limitation on advance directives for euthanasia in order to make the procedure available to persons with dementia.  [ABC News]