FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2011

Statement on Mercy Regional Medical Center, Durango

The Diocese of Pueblo shares the goals of all men and women young and old who faithfully stand for life throughout this great country of ours.   Those who have kept a weekly vigil of prayer at Planned Parenthood in Durango are a wonderful example of this faithfulness.  Bishop Isern has accompanied them in prayer on several occasions.

A deep concern for Life has brought people of good faith together at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango.  It is most unfortunate that a doctor who performs abortions elsewhere also exercises medical privileges in this Catholic hospital.  For some time we have been in dialogue with the hospital, and we have been assured that Mercy Regional Medical Center at all times has adhered to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Ethical and Religious Directives for health care facilities by neither offering nor performing abortions in the hospital.

We in the Diocese of Pueblo remain firmly committed to the Culture of Life.  This most unfortunate situation at Mercy Regional Medical Center is a clear sign of the absolute necessity of our continuing to advocate in favor of the Culture of Life in our society.  We therefore pledge our continuing efforts and the concrete resources of our Catholic institutions, in conjunction with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other national respect life efforts, in promoting the Culture of Life in the Diocese and elsewhere.

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