In this issue of Health Progress, we are pleased to be addressing a
wide variety of topics vital to our daily work in Catholic health care: spiritual
leadership, integrative health care, senior housing, commitment to values, organizational
change, and effective mission statements.
The most critical article in this issue, however, focuses on the treatment
of rape victims in Catholic emergency departments. In a thorough analysis of
this topic, Ronald Hamel, PhD, and Michael Panicola, PhD, examine the "ovulation
approach" and the "pregnancy approach" in light of Catholic teaching and the
Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. Accompanying
this article are three commentaries by Margaret Barron, MD; Daniel P. Sulmasy,
OFM, MD, PhD; and Daniel O'Brien, PhD, and John Paul Slosar.
The authors and the editorial staff of Health Progress
invite readers to add to this discussion and welcome responses
to this moral analysis in the form of Letters to the Editor.
Celebration 275
Rounding out this issue is an unusual "Final Say" column — a photo essay of highlights
from the Catholic Health Association's Joint Meeting with Catholic Charities
USA August 3-6 in Chicago. For more highlights, photos, and editorial coverage
of this historic event, visit CHA's website.
Copyright © 2002 by the Catholic Health Association of the United States
For reprint permission, contact Betty Crosby or call (314) 253-3477.