Blog
CMA Issues White Paper on POLST
May 16, 2013
Bala Cynwyd, PA—The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) has published a White Paper on POLST in the May issue of the Linacre Quarterly, CMA’s journal of medical ethics, released this week. POLST (an acronym for “Physicians Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment”) is a new kind of advanced medical decision-making document that is spreading rapidly across the United States as a result of an organized campaign.
Spaces Still Available for Med Student Boot Camp
April 15, 2013
CMA Posts Comments on HHS’s Latest Compromise
April 08, 2013
The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) submitted its formal comments on the latest proposal from the Obama administration to deal with issues of religious freedom as HHS, the IRS, and the Treasury prepare to enforce the mandate on employers and health insurers to provide abortifacient, contraceptive, and sterilization services to all women as a pre-paid entitlement.
Statement on Plan B Decision
April 05, 2013
On Friday, April 5, 2013, U.S. District Judge Edward Korman ordered the FDA to make Plan B available to women and girls of all ages, over the counter and without restrictions. In response to this clear case of judicial overreach, the Catholic Medical Association released the following statement:
CMA at the March for Marriage
March 27, 2013
The CMA was present and noticed at the March for Marriage in Washington, D.C., on March 26, 2013. Executive Director John F. Brehany marched alongside CMA members Agnes Bayer and Susan Beck, the husband of member Mary Andrews, M.D., and a couple of friends of the CMA.
CMA Episcopal Advisor interviewed on Bearing Witness
March 14, 2013
Most Rev. Robert F. Vasa, JCL, CMA's Episcopal Advisor, was interviewed by the Catholic World Report on his responsability to ensure authentic Catholic formation in schools. Bishop Vasa discussed the controversy over his directive, the aim of Catholic education, misunderstandings that exist about conscience, and a few of the challenges facing the Church in the United States.
Brehany warns University of Dallas students of decline in conscience rights
February 15, 2013
CMA Executive Director John F. Brehany, Ph.D. traveled to Dallas, TX to address students and faculty at the University of Dallas last week. In his talk, "Conscience in Healthcare," Dr. Brehany described the decline in respect for conscience in American culture and called on students to “learn, prepare and act,” to defend human dignity, life, conscience and religious freedom. See more after the break.
CMA Issues Statement on Latest HHS Compromise
February 01, 2013
Bala Cynwyd, PA—On February 1, 2013, the Obama administration announced a proposal to modify its definition of “religious employer” to ostensibly exempt some organizations from the HHS mandate. In response, the Catholic Medical association issued the following statement:
CMA at the March for Life 2013
January 30, 2013
Members of the Catholic Medical Association turned out in force for the 2013 March for Life in Washington, D.C. to mark the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Even Better News for Supporters of Conscience Rights and Religious Freedom
December 20, 2012
Hot on the heels of the good news reported on December 11, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned lower court decisions dismissing a lawsuit against the HHS mandate filed by Belmont Abbey College and Wheaton College. This means the lawsuit can go forward!
Good News for Supporters of Conscience Rights and Religious Freedom
December 11, 2012
After the 2012 elections, many of us have been looking for some good news in the headlines. Decisions in Illinois and New York have provided some welcome doses of good news.
Nevada Judge Rules Against Forced Abortion
November 16, 2012
A Nevada judge ruled earlier this week that a 32-year-old woman would not be forced to undergo an abortion against her own will and against the will of her parents and guardians.
Assisted Suicide Measure Defeated
November 07, 2012
Opponents of assisted suicide won an important victory in Massachusetts on November 6. Question 2, a ballot initiative to legalize assisted suicide, was defeated 51-49 percent.
Ted Kennedy’s Widow Rejects Assisted Suicide
October 29, 2012
The late Senator Ted Kennedy's widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, wrote an op-ed last weekend criticizing Question 2, the Massachusetts assisted suicide ballot initiative, and announced her plans to vote no on it. Read her column after the break.
CMA Member Speaks at Religious Freedom Rally
October 29, 2012
CMA member Aaron Kheriaty, M.D. spoke at a Stand Up for Religious Freedom Rally at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on October 20, 2012. Check out the video after the break.
St. Louis Guild in the News
October 19, 2012
The Saint Loius Guild and their President, Dr. Michael Dixon are featured in the St. Louis Review. They are being featured for their work to defend life and Religious liberty and the respect for the dignity of women in the fight against "free" contraceptives. Read more about their hard effort after the jump.
CMA Member Responds to Vice President Biden’s Lie on HHS
October 17, 2012
CMA Member Donald P. Condit, M.D. is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has published an article in response to the Vice President's comment during the recent Vice President debate. Read the article after the jump.
CMA Conference an Outstanding Success
October 08, 2012
Bala Cynwyd, PA – The Catholic Medical Association (CMA) concluded its largest and most successful conference ever on Saturday, September 29, 2012, hosting a record number of medical students and passing two important resolutions, one on the HHS mandate and a second on traditional marriage. Read more after the break!
Great Medical Student Video
August 10, 2012
This message needs to be heard.
The Next Boot to Drop?
August 06, 2012
Doctors, patients, and American taxpayers might ask, given all of the bad news about Obamacare -- the budget-busting deficits it will cause, the increasing cost of health insurance, the threat of people losing the health insurance coverage they have enjoyed, to name only the headlines -- what could be worse? Worse is when the other shoe boot falls on the necks of America's doctors and health-care providers.
CMA Decries Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Obamacare
June 28, 2012
The Catholic Medical Association is disturbed and disappointed that the Supreme Court saw fit to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This decision is both alarming and deeply wrong. Read the full statement after the break.
CMA Members Stand Up for Religious Freedom
June 21, 2012
A large number of CMA members joined tens of thousands of others in the second round of Stand Up for Religious Freedom rallies held on Friday, June 8, 2012. With 164 rallies across the United States, Americans' determination to fight for our God-given rights and liberties was made known loud and clear.
Great New ADF Video
June 05, 2012
The Alliance Defense Fund has released a great new video which captures the core features of the HHS mandate. Watch the video after the break.
Children of God for Life Concludes Boycott with Victory
April 30, 2012
Demonstrating the power of grassroots organization and witness, Children of God for Life led a successful boycott of Pepsico, and in less than one year persuaded the company to discontinue its plan to use cell lines derived from elective abortion to test flavor enhancers.
CMA Joins Amicus Brief Protesting Blagojevich Rule
March 26, 2012
On Friday, March 23, the Catholic Medical Association joined several other organizations in a brief filed in the Illinois appellate court against the “Blagojevich Rule,” a regulation that would force Illinois pharmacists to dispense abortion-inducing drugs despite their religious and moral convictions. “At a time when there is a critical shortage of pharmacists, a regulation that forces pharmacists to choose between their jobs and their religious beliefs recklessly threatens the health care of all citizens of Illinois,” stated Kim Colby, Senior Counsel for Christian Legal Society’s Center for Law and Religious Freedom, which submitted the brief.
St Patricks Day Massacre Closes the Noose
March 20, 2012
Last Friday night, on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, the Obama administration issued important new rules to extend and finalize their abortifacient and contraceptive mandate, issuing demands to provide free sterilizations, contraceptives, and abortifacient pills to all college students. And that is not all . . .
CMA Physician Speaks at Faith and Freedom Event
February 27, 2012
CMA member and Military Region director William P. Mueller, M.D. spoke at a Faith and Freedom First event in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, February 18, giving a clear witness to the fact that the HHS mandate not only violates religious freedom, but is bad for women's health and for the sancity of human life and marriage. Watch a Youtube video of the event after the break.
Brehany Appears on Oregon Radio Show
February 23, 2012
Executive Director John F. Brehany, Ph.D., appeared on KDOV AM, The Dove, a radio station based out of Medford, Oregon, to discuss the HHS mandate on Friday, February 17, 2012. Listen to the entire interview after the break.
CMA Women Physicians Respond to Women Senators’ Column
February 22, 2012
In a Feb. 7, 2012 Wall St. Journal op-ed, Democrat Senators Boxer, Murray, and Shaheen claimed that President Obama’s HHS mandate was a victory for women’s health. Several CMA women physician members, including president Maricela P. Moffitt, M.D., M.P.H., and past president Kathleen Raviele, M.D., responded to this column, asserting that President Obama’s mandate is bad for women’s health and for the profession of medicine. Read the full open letter after the break.
CMA Joins Legal Challenge to Obamacare
February 14, 2012
The Catholic Medical Association joined six other medical organizations in a friend of the court brief filed on Feb. 13 in the U.S. Supreme Court by lead counsel Bioethics Defense Fund (BDF), challenging the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, ("Obamacare").
CMA Joins Lawsuit to Protect New York City Pregnancy Resource Centers
February 10, 2012
On February 7, 2012, the Catholic Medical Association joined the Law of Life Project in an amicus brief challenging New York City's attack on pregnancy resource centers.
CMA Interviewed by Christian Broadcasting Network about the HHS Mandate
February 07, 2012
CMA Executive Director John F. Brehany, Ph.D. was interviewed by CBN News White House Correspondent Jennifer Wishon for a story about the HHS mandate and the Catholic Church. Get the whole story after the break.
Pittsburgh Bishop Reacts Strongly to HHS Mandate
January 27, 2012
Pittsburgh's bishop, David A Zubik, issued a strong statement in reaction to the HHS mandate targeting Catholic institutions. According to Bishop Zubik, "The Obama administration has just told the Catholics of the United States, “To Hell with you!” There is no other way to put it."
CMA Physicians Publish Article on POLST
January 13, 2012
Three CMA physicians, Drs. Stephen Pavela, Franklin Smith, and William Toffler, joined moral theologian E. Christian Brugger, Ph.D., to publish an article on POLST in the January 2012 issue of Ethics & Medics.
Worcester Guild Members Help to Oppose PAS
December 05, 2011
Members of the Worcester Guild were actively engaged in a successful effort to oppose physician assisted suicide at the Massachusetts Medical Society. Former guild president John Howland, M.D., and two student members gave excellent presentations before the House of Delegates. More information after the break.
AAFCP Issues Call for Published Papers
December 02, 2011
The American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals has issued a call for published papers to be considered for AAFCP's OUTSTANDING RESEARCH PAPER AWARD. More details after the break.
Hartford Guild Holds First White Mass
November 28, 2011
On Sunday, November 20, Archbishop Henry Mansell celebrated the first annual White Mass for the newly approved Connecticut Guild, based in Hartford. CMA Executive Director John Brehany was present and spoke at a brunch which followed the Mass.
Baltimore Guild Holds White Mass
October 25, 2011
The Baltimore Guild held its annual White Mass on October 16, 2011. More details and a picture are available after the break.
CMA Member Publishes Article on Effects of Abortion
September 01, 2011
CMA member Mary L. Davenport, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., has published an article on the connection between abortion and subsequent increases in suicide attempts and mental health issues in The American Thinker. Read her article after the jump.
CMA Member Publishes Article in Ethics and Medics
August 25, 2011
CMA member Stephen E. Hannan, M.D., who practices pulmonary and critical care medicine at the Health Park Medical Center in Fort Myers, Florida, has published a thoughtful article in the September 2011 issue of Ethics & Medics on whether use of a ventilator always constitutes "extraordinary means." Get a link to the article after the jump.
Guild President Publishes Article on HHS Mandate
August 22, 2011
Peter Bleyer, M.D., president of the Blessed Clemens von Galen Guild of South Carolina, has published a response to the HHS mandate of abortifacient, contraceptiion and sterilization benefits in The American Thinker. Read his article after the jump.
Conscience Rights Protected in Arizona
August 12, 2011
On Thursday, Aug. 11,the Arizona Court of Appeals issued an opinion that reaffirmed the conscience rights. of health care professionals in Arizona. The CMA was and remains an intervenor in the case.
CMA Member Featured on Local News
August 04, 2011
CMA member Michael Kloess, M.D. was recently featured in a local news story on how his organization, Our Lady of Hope Clinic, helps to treat the uninsured.
New Catholic Medical School in Indiana
July 29, 2011
A new Catholic medical school will open its doors to a class of 150 students in 2013. Marian University, operated by Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg, IN, will open an osteopathic college of medicine.
Coalition Effort to Enact ANDA Immediately
July 21, 2011
The Catholic Medical Association joined a collaborative effort to ask Congress to enact the principles of the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA) in the current legislative session by attaching its essential provisions to an appropriations bill.
Archbishop Chaput to Lead Philadelphia Archdiocese
July 19, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI has chosen Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap., to lead the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, following the retirement of Justin Cardinal Rigali. The Catholic Medical Association, which is headquartered in the Archdiocese of Philadelophia, welcomes the appointment of this outstanding witness to the Gospel of Life.
The Linacre Quarterly Wins Awards
July 01, 2011
The Linacre Quarterly was recently recognized by the Catholic Press Association at its 2011 awards ceremony held in Pittsburgh, Pa. on June 24. The 100-year-old Catholic Press Association annually recognizes the accomplishments and contributions made by members of the Catholic press.
Obama Admin Plans Stealth Survey on Doctors
June 27, 2011
The Obama administration is planning a "stealth survey" of doctors, according to a story published in the New York Times today. According to government documents obtained by the Times, the department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will send out "mystery shoppers" . . . Update
New Connecticut Guild Featured in Newspaper
May 09, 2011
A guild forming in Connecticut, has earned the support of the Archdiocese of Hartford, as demonstrated by a front-page story recently appearing in the archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Transcript. Please click here to read the full article. The article highlights the strong commitment demonstrated by Deacon Thomas Davis and other local CMA members in their pursuit of establishing a viable guild for Catholic physicians in Connecticut.
CMA Member Starts Catholic Physician Column
May 03, 2011
When the Orlando Guild was presented with the Outstanding Guild Award at the 2010 conference in Seattle for their achievements in outreach to the diocese, which included a monthly diocesan newspaper column featuring a Catholic physician's responses to reader questions, Dr. Jim Asher took notice.
Protecting ALL the Innocent in the Sexual Abuse Crisis
April 13, 2011
In seeking to end the scourge of sexual abuse in the Church, it is essential to protect the innocent from sexual predators as well as to protect the innocent from false accusations. Church leaders have made significant progress on the former, but at times show too little regard for the latter, as CMA members Richard Fitzgibbons, M.D. and Peter Kleponis have demonstrated regarding events in Philadelphia.
Excellent Insights from Two Wise Bishops
March 03, 2011
The Church is certainly blessed with excellent shepherds among the U.S. bishops. The guidance contained in recent comments of two of these is worth considering, both for individual spiritual growth and for perspective in working for causes.
In Memoriam, Bernard Nathanson, MD
February 21, 2011
Bernard Nathanson, one-time abortionist, later champion of the right to life and convert to the Faith, died on February 21, 2011, at the age of 84.
Benedictine College Sponsors NFP Conference
February 20, 2011
Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas (40 miles north of Kansas City) is sponsoring a unique NFP conference in July 2011 -- "Catholic Healthcare Identity: Medical and Pastoral Strategies." Read more about it after the break.
CMA Letter on the Protect Life Act Cited in House Committee Statement
February 18, 2011
On February 14, CMA President Jan R. Hemstad, M.D. sent a letter to Fred Upton (R.-Mich.), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on the importance of H.R. 358, the Protect Life Act, and urging him and the Committee to reject any attempts to weaken federal protection for conscience rights . . .
Important Regional Conference
January 28, 2011
Make Straight the Pathway is a regional conference taking place March 31-April 2, 2011 near Detroit, Michigan. It is designed for physicians, healthcare providers and adminstrators, and diocesan leaders . . .
Former Pro-Life State AG Under Attack
January 28, 2011
Former Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline is being attacked for prosecuting illegal abortion during his tenure in office. The Kansas Supreme Court, five members of which were appointed by pro-abortion Governor Kathleen Sebelius, are set to try Kline on alleged “ethics violations” . . .
CMA Marches AND Walks for Life
January 25, 2011
CMA members were present at two national events witnessing for human life. Pictures and more information after the break . . .
CMA Episcopal Advisor Named to New See
January 25, 2011
CMA Episcopal Advisor Robert Vasa, D.D. was named coadjutor bishop for the Diocese of Santa Rosa, California on January 24, 2011.
Vanderbilt Withdraws Abortion Requirement
January 14, 2011
In a quick victory for defenders of life and conscience rights, Vanderbilt University withdrew a recent policy requiring all applicants to its Nurse Residency Program in the Women's Health to pledge to assist in abortions as a condition of acceptance.
CMA Member Blogs on Health Care Reform
January 10, 2011
CMA member Donald Condit, M.D. recently posted an excellent article about health-care reform on the blog of the Acton Institute. The article can be accessed here. The blog post was based on a longer article that Dr. Condit published in the November 2010 issue of The Linacre Quarterly. A full text copy of the article is available by clicking here.
Phoenix Case Continues to Roil
January 06, 2011
Right before Christmas, on December 21, 2010, Phoenix Bishop Thomas Olmsted decreed that St. Joseph's could no longer be considered a Catholic hospital. The tensions in the case were further exacerbated by a public statement from the Catholic Health Association (CHA) affirming the actions of St. Joseph's and its parent system, Catholic Health West.
European Court Avoids Broad Expansion of Abortion Rights
December 20, 2010
In a decision announced on December 16, 2010, the European Court of Human Rights declined to broadly expand abortion rights in Europe.
AAFCP Calls for Papers
December 16, 2010
The American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals has issued a call for published articles for AAFCP's OUTSTANDING RESEARCH PAPER AWARD in the categories of Fertility Awareness (Natural Family Planning), Infertility, Pregnancy, or Gynecology.
Orlando Guild Wins Outstanding Guild Award
December 16, 2010
The winner of the first annual Outstanding Guild Award is the Orlando Diocesan Guild, which received the award for excellence in service to the Archdiocese of Orlando. This award was inaugurated in 2010 to appropriately recognize guilds for the quality and quantity of their efforts to fulfill the CMA’s mission as well as to encourage the sharing of ideas and resources.
CMA Physician Publishes Book
December 14, 2010
Region I Regional Director John Howland, M.D., collaborated with Janice Steinhagen in writing a book, Heart Sounds: 12 Catholic Doctors. Based on interviews with Catholic physicians, including CMA members, the book explores how faith shapes their approach to medicine despite the pressures and temptations of a secular society. The book, which has been receiving very favorable reviews in the press, is available in the CMA Bookstore for $14.95.
Resources from Pope Benedict XVI
December 10, 2010
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI issued a statement and prayer that we thought would be of interest to Catholic physicians. On Nov. 15, the Pope sent a message to participants in the 25th international conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. And the Pope wrote a prayer for the the conclusion of the Prayer Vigil for the Unborn on Nov. 27. Read these resources after the break.
Duluth Diocese Restores White Mass Tradition
October 25, 2010
On October 9 of this year, Bishop Paul Sirba of the Diocese of Duluth restored the tradition of the White Mass with assistance from CMA member Tim Egan, M.D. Read the full story after the jump (which also provides an update on Duluth Guild activities.
Springtime in the CMA
September 29, 2010
The leaves may be ready to change and the days are getting shorter. But it's springtime in the CMA. Want proof? Read the excellent article in New Orleans Clarion Herald after the jump.
CMA Member Reports from FIAMC World Congress
May 27, 2010
CMA member Mary Davenport, M.D. attended the 23rd Congress of the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations (FIAMC), in part in her capacity as vice president of the American Association of Pro-Life Ob-Gyns (AAPLOG). She issued the following report:
Phoenix Bishop Defends Life, Catholic Health Care
May 18, 2010
Thomas Olmsted, D.D., Bishop of Phoenix, recently issued a public statement that demonstrated a strong defense of human life and authentic Catholic health care. The Catholic Medical Association, in conjunction with the Catholic Physicians Guild of Phoenix, supports Bishop Olmsted and prays that healing and a renewed commitment to respect for human life can come out of this tragedy. The statement of the Diocese of Phoenix can be found here. Some FAQs about the case can be found after the jump.
23rd World Congress of FIAMC Held
May 15, 2010
The 23rd World Congress of FIAMC (the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations) was held in Lourdes, France, from May 6th through 9th. The congress was sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers. Thirty of the speakers from around the world reflected on the theme "Our Faith as Doctors." An appealing session was also held about the Catholic doctor's mission to protect life. For a video summary and additional news coverage of the congress, click here.
A Catholic Doctor’s Hope for America
April 06, 2010
CMA member Peter Bleyer, M.D. published a provocative article on health care legislation and Holy Week in the American Thinker. This article is worth reading and contemplating in its entirety. Check it out here.
Death Panel(s): Not just real, but really effective
March 31, 2010
Sarah Palin's comments last year describing the "death panels" that would exist under government-run health care were dismissed as completely unfounded. Now that the law has been signed, its supporters not only don't mind discussing death panels; they are bragging about how effective they will be in saving money. Watch the video after the jump.
Terri’s Day
March 31, 2010
March 31 has been designated as "Terri's Day" by the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. The Foundation, in collaboration with Priests for Life, is holding an “International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo, and All of Our Vulnerable Brothers and Sisters,” to be observed each year on March 31, the anniversary of her death. Terri has been appropriately described as a "martyr of the culture of death."
Defending Pope Benedict
March 30, 2010
Over the last two weeks, an assault on the good name and reputation of Pope Benedict XVI has been launched by various Western media outlets, above all by the New York Times. In brief, Pope Benedict has been accused of being insufficiently responsive to incidences of the sexual abuse of children in the past.
CMA members should keep Pope Benedict in their prayers, and be ready to effectively respond to these attacks whenever possible. Here are some resources to help with the latter task.
Two Major Speeches by Archbishop Chaput—Great!
March 02, 2010
Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, Colorado is one of the most articulate, courageous, and substantive witnesses in the Church today, certainly in the United States. In the last two days in Houston, Texas, Chaput has given thought-provoking speeches on two major issues -- health care reform and the relationship between faith and public life in America. Follow the links to read the full text of these speeches.
FIAMC Conference Information
January 31, 2010
FIAMC (the World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations) will be holding its 23rd World Congress and General Assembly from May 6-9, 2010 in Lourdes, France. The theme of the conference is "Medicine and Faith."
For more information, click here.
CMA National Chaplain on Health Care Reform
November 17, 2009
CMA National Chaplain Fr. John D. Ehrich, S.T.L. was recently interviewed by the Catholic Sun, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Phoenix. The interview, which revolved around issues in health care reform, provides some great examples of Fr. Ehrich's clear thinking and direct answers. Take a minute to read the interview.
New Resource for Publicizing Adult Stem Cell Therapies
November 04, 2009
Two allies of the Catholic Medical Association, Family Research Council and Saint Max Worldwide, have been collaborating on an education and awareness campaign regarding the successes of adult stem cell therapies.
Phase One of this project -- a new web site that features three "adult stem cell success stories" on video -- was just completed. The web address is www.stemcellresearchfacts.org. Take a minute to check out the videos there. They are very well done. Please pass them along to family, friends and colleagues.
CMA Responds to Consortium of Jesuit Bioethics Programs
October 13, 2009
In the February 13, 2009, issue of Commonweal, seven directors of bioethics programs at Jesuit universities (the Consortium of Jesuit Bioethics Programs) discussed their understanding of recent magisterial teaching regarding artificial nutrition and hydration. In the August issue of The Linacre Quarterly, representatives of the Catholic Medical Association responded to their statement.
CMA on EWTN
October 05, 2009
On Friday, October 2, CMA President Louis Breschi, M.D. and Executive Director John F. Brehany, Ph.D. appeared on EWTN's "The World Over" with Raymond Arroyo.
The program focused on health care reform, Catholic social teaching, and the role of Catholic organizations in the current debate.
A link to an audio recording of the the show is available by clicking HERE.
Legislative Strategy? Write Incomprehensible Language?
October 04, 2009
Echoing the philosophy of Sen. John Conyers (who, in July, said he had no intention of reading health care legislation because he'd need two days and two lawyers to understand it), Sen. Thomas Carper (D.-Del.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, recently confessed that he does not “expect” to read the actual legislative language of the committee’s health care bill because it is “confusing” and that anyone who claims they are going to read it and understand it is fooling people. Watch the video after the jump.
CMA Responds to Senate Finance Committee Votes
October 01, 2009
On September 30, 2009, the Senate Finance Committee voted down amendments excluding federal funding of abortion and prohibiting discrimination against any individual or entity who refuses to provide, pay for, or refer for abortions. The refusal of the Senate Finance Committee to guarantee the most rudimentary respect for the conscience rights of health-care professionals could be the harbinger of a brave new world in health care and American culture generally.
N.C. Register Health Care Reform Article Features CMA Members
September 21, 2009
An article in the National Catholic Register (posted on Sept. 18 and slated for publication in the Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2009 issue) prominently featured members of the Catholic Medical Association. In the article, entitled "Catholic Physicians Wary of Health Care Reform," Register correspondent Joan Frawley Desmond, drew attention to a critique of current health care reform legislation that has received insufficient media attention to date.
CMA Sends Letter to Key Congressional Committees
September 15, 2009
In a September 4, 2009 letter sent to the congressional committees working on health care reform, CMA reiterated its chief concerns regarding current legislation and urged these Members of Congress to base reform on sound ethical and economic principles, and to take the time necessary to craft well-founded legislation.
Bishops on Health Care Reform
September 14, 2009
Throughout the summer, a number of individual U.S. bishops spoke out on key concerns related to health care reform legislation. They urged Congress to respect rights of conscience, exclude abortion from federally funded or mandated benefits, or to respect the principle of subsidiarity. While some of these statements are brief, several are remarkably well done (for example, the statement from the bishops of Kansas City (Kansas and Missiouri). A helpful compilation of these statements can be found at a great blog called American Papist. Click here to find the most recent list of statements.
2009 Special Event’s Lincoln Museum Is Something Special!
September 01, 2009
This year’s Annual Conference Special Event, on Thursday, October 22, is a private viewing, reception and dinner at the renowned Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in downtown Springfield. The fact that the Lincoln Museum passed its 2 millionth visitor faster than any other presidential museum shows how impressive it is.
Obama Compares Health Care Reform Plan to Post Office-FedEx Relationship
August 11, 2009
In a town hall meeting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, President Obama defended his support for a "public option" health care plan by citing the success of FedEx and United Parcel Service. The video and some commentary can be found after the jump.
Catholic College’s Religious Freedom Denied
August 11, 2009
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) ruled July 30, 2009 that a Catholic college must include coverage for artificial contraceptives in its employee health insurance plan. The EEOC declared that Belmont Abbey College discriminated against women employees by ending coverage of contraception in college-provided health insurance.
CMA Board Member George Isajiw interviewed by Our Sunday Visitor
July 21, 2009
CMA Board member and self-described "country doctor" George Isajiw, M.D. was featured in an Our Sunday Visitor interview in the July 26, 2009 issue.
CMA Member Profiled in National News Story
July 21, 2009
CMA member Michael Kloess, M.D., along with his partner Anna Volk Johnson, M.D., were recently profiled in a Catholic News Agency story that highlighted their innovative approach to practicing medicine and caring for the poor.
New Guild in San Antonio Forming
July 13, 2009
A recent story in the San Antonio Catholic Times note the growing interest in a CMA Chartered Guild in the city of San Antonio, Texas.
CMA Member Published in American Principles Project
July 13, 2009
CMA member Aaron Kheriaty recently published a reflection on the demise of President Bush's Council on Bioethics.
New Encyclical Released
July 09, 2009
On July 7, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI released his new social encyclical, Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth). This is the Pope’s third encyclical since becoming Pope in 2005. The encyclical marks an important chapter in Catholic social teaching, and its lessons can and should have a bearing on the issue of health care reform in the United States.
John Paul II Guild Gets Coverage
June 22, 2009
The John Paul II Guild of Columbus, Ohio was featured on the front page of the April 26, 2009 issue of the Catholic Times, the newspaper of the Diocese of Columbus.
St. Paul and Minneapolis Catholic Physicians Guild Announces Summer Events
June 22, 2009
The St. Paul and Minneapolic Catholic Physicians Guild is sponsoring several events this summer and fall, including a Family Picnic, a presentation about St. Gianna Molla with a chance to meet her son, and the annual White Mass. For more information, see the links above.
Conscience Rights
June 22, 2009
So far there has been no decision by HHS regarding the Conscience Protection Rule. This delay may be due in part to the impressive show of support for the rule mentioned in April’s update. (Here is a link to a very interesting analysis of where we are and what might happen) The most important thing we can do now is keep the issue in the public’s eye.
NIH Draft Guidelines
June 22, 2009
NIH released its proposed "ethical guidelines" for human embryonic stem cell research on April 23, 2009, and provided 30 days for the public to comment. The deadline is May 26, 2009. As with the Conscience Protection Rule, despite the fact that we are facing hostile forces in the federal government, it is important for the CMA and all members as individuals to convey our critiques of and objections to this policy.
