The largest association of Catholic individuals in health care is condemning the Biden administration for ordering health care providers to perform abortions in emergenrcy situations under federal law.

Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra sent a letter instructing providers to perform abortions in emergencies — regardless of state law — under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) on July 11. 

“Catholic health care agencies and providers are committed to the same goals intended by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act,” Dr. Marie Hilliard, co-chair of the Catholic Medical Association‘s Ethics Committee told CNA. “They are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care to both the mother and her unborn child without directly compromising either one in the process.”

She added: “In fact, by the consistently high quality of care it is known to provide, Catholic health care has demonstrated that both can be beautifully served.”

Enacted in 1986, then Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act ensures that every person who enters an emergency room is treated and stabilized, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Now, the Biden administration says, it includes abortion.

Full story at Catholic News Agency.