The Trump administration announced June 3 that it would revoke Biden-era guidance to the nation’s hospitals directing them to perform abortions in emergency circumstances even in states that banned the procedure.
Health Care
Archdiocese continues focus on mental health with aim to take away stigma
The Archdiocese of Baltimore launched its Mental Health Ministry plan in 2021. During its first phase, nearly 1,000 people were trained in mental health first aid, according to Melissa Freymann, a mental wellness consultant for the archdiocese and a therapist with St. Lucia Counseling.
Experts flag concerns over EPPC study on dangers of pill used in miscarriage care, abortion
The title of a new study released April 28 by the Ethics and Public Policy Center is one Catholics, following the church’s moral teaching, would agree upon: “The Abortion Pill Harms Women.”
After prostate cancer diagnosis, Delaware diocese offers prayers of intercession for Biden
Former U.S. President Joe Biden, the nation’s second Catholic president and a Wilmington resident, revealed May 18 that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and it has metastasized to his bones.
House GOP budget proposal includes cuts to Medicaid, groups that perform abortions
A proposed House budget is drawing fire from some critics over its cuts to Medicaid, while drawing praise from others for promises to eliminate funds to health providers who also perform abortions.
Trump signs executive order demanding drug manufacturers lower U.S. prices
President Donald Trump signed an executive order May 12 that he said would lower prescription drug costs — an issue the U.S. bishops have flagged in recent years — but the exact potential impact of the order was the subject of debate.
HHS releases report critical of gender transition procedures for youth
The Department of Health and Human Services recently released what it called a “comprehensive review” of medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for minors who identify as transgender, calling for broader use of psychotherapy for young people with gender dysphoria rather than what proponents call gender-affirming care.
Catholic therapists address preventing addiction, healing affected families
Lorraine Salvidar shared her family’s story, as well as her clinical experience working with families of people with addictions, at the trauma and addiction-focused Catholic Psychotherapy Association Conference in Philadelphia May 1-3.
UM St. Joseph Medical Center earns national recognition for safety
University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety.
Catholic mental health therapists integrate faith, spirituality into treatment plans
Mental illness in America has been declared an official social health care emergency — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic and as community-fragmenting forms of social media continue to multiply.
May 1 marks 5th anniversary of consecrating U.S. to Mary as COVID declared a pandemic
Indeed, “in times of trouble” it’s only natural for Catholics to resort to petitioning their own Mother Mary. And five years ago — on May 1, 2020, during the first terrifying stages of the COVID-19 pandemic — the bishops of the United States did just that.
Mercy’s nurses, maternity program earn distinctions
Mercy Medical Center drew accolades both nationally and locally for its nursing workforce and its work as a birthing hospital.