The University of San Diego continues to cite state and federal law as the reason why it covers abortions in its student health plan for the upcoming school year but it will not name what laws require it.
Furthermore, a recent court settlement would seem to support the Catholic university’s ability to opt out of the coverage, but the school will not tell The College Fix if it plans to pursue legal recourse.
The university health insurance plan also pays for “gender-affirming treatment,” which is used to assist a person who is confused about their gender in presenting themselves as the opposite sex.
“USD’s employee and student benefit plans are required to align with state and federal regulations,” Senior Director of Media Relations Lissette Martinez told The College Fix via email. “The services mentioned [abortion and transgender drugs and surgeries] are typically those that are required to be covered, and individuals are encouraged to consult with their medical provider regarding the best course of treatment for any medical concern.”
Martinez ignored a specific question about a pair of federal court rulings, and subsequent legal settlement, that allowed a handful of Protestant churches to opt-out of California mandate that health insurance plans cover abortion. The Fix specifically asked USD if it planned to seek a similar waiver.
The university has yet to respond to a follow-up request sent three weeks ago that asked for clarification and specifically asked what federal law USD is citing, since the Catholic University of America does not cover abortion in its student health plan despite being subject to the same federal regulations….
This is not the only Catholic university that pays for abortions and transgender drugs and surgeries, as Loyola University Chicago continues to cover the procedures. The Jesuit Catholic university’s medical school also trains students in “transgender children” healthcare, as recently reported by The Fix.
From the College Fix
The last time this University (which admittedly has a beautiful campus) deserved to be called Catholic was in the 50s
The Federal law they cite doesn’t exist.
Obviously, the administration is more interested in a dubiously justified cop-out that enables the status quo than in exploring options that would mean being true to Catholic faith.
What has Cardinal McElroy said about this?
Qui tacet consentire videtur. He needn’t say anything. But if he has, it would be interesting to know. Given McElroy’s high esteem for inclusion, the school and the prelate are well-matched. A cursory internet reading shows this to be the case. True, McElroy was asked by Rome to come down on the school for its drag show, and so he did, but with a very witty and gentle reproach.
Hey, they hosted a talk by Gloria Steinem a couple of years back.
The old Nuremberg Defense: “Just following orders.”
Well, when you put a pretty face on it, it doesn’t seem so bad.
Well, if you like the Jezebel types, go for it. Just remember her ending and the ending of King Ahab’s line.
Can I just make sure that everybody understands that the headline is misleading?
USD does not pay for abortions and “sex changes.”
First of all, there is no such thing as a sex change.
Second, this is about insurance plans, not health care.
If you are on Medicaire, your insurance plan pays for “medically necessary” abortions and transgender care.
If you are on private insurance or Obamacare, check your policy.
All USD full-time Undergraduate, Graduate and Law students are required to have health insurance. At the beginning of every academic year, students need to decide to enroll in or waive out of the USD Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP, Provided by Aetna). This requirement ensures that students in need of health and/or mental health care beyond the scope of services provided by USD Student Wellness can access the appropriate care and resources in the community.
From USD website.