Catholic Health Care

The international medical standard of care is that in complications of pregnancy, the life of the mother comes first. A US study by ANSIRH (Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health) found over half of obstetricians have recently reported ethical conflicts in US Catholic hospitals. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) consider their hospitals formal religious ministries to the poor, the sick and the afflicted although they are funded by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and tax exempt status.

Shadows of Innocence

In Shadows of Innocence: Sexual Assault Among Indiana’s Youth, we take a look at the high rate of sexual assault in Indiana, and we’ll also look at states that are doing much better to find out what they’re doing differently. The ultimate purpose is to create awareness about how Indiana schools are preventing sexual assault and inspire discussion about whether policy changes are needed.

IN 2013 Legislation

HB 1182 has passed both houses. It excludes pregnant women from a bill for end-of-life autonomy. Indiana SB 371 has also passed both houses. It unjustifiably restricts the use of medication abortion to surgical-type settings. IRCRC opposes both bills. SB371 fails all four criteria. We also oppose drug testing for TANF because drug surveillance will trap pregnant women. We support the Medicaid expansion for Indiana.

Free Bei Bei

The Rally for Bei Bei April 6 at City Market was a great event. About 150 people came out to support Bei Bei Shuai and demand that Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry drop all charges. Many speakers offered remarks for over two hours and there was good media coverage. Pictures can be seen on the Facebook Event page - Rally for Bei Bei.

Impact of 2011 HEA1210

Vulnerable low income Indiana families continue to suffer the effects of 2011's HEA1210. This was a bill signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels despite his own recommendation that social issues be put aside to concentrate on the economy. Unfortunately, as he considered running for the Republican Presidential nomination he did not heed his own recommendation. His political strategy was competitive at the expense of public health. No aspect of HEA 1210 was sound policy.