After a report from the Cardinal Newman Society confirmed numerous Catholic colleges and universities engaging in promotion of the Planned Parenthood abortion business and pro-abortion groups, 29 of the original 150 cases of abortion promotion have been corrected.
The initial Internet search, conducted by CNS and issued as a report on April 11, found more than 150 current and past connections at various Catholic colleges to Planned Parenthood. But the report generated outrage from pro-life Catholics and prompted students, alumni and concerned Catholics to contact the colleges and ask them to remove links on web sites or other connections to the abortion business.
CNS indicates some of the schools dropping those links include Edgewood College in Wisconsin, Marquette University Law School, Mount St. Mary’s College in California, the University of San Francisco, Dominican University of California, St. Edward’s University in Texas, Saint Leo University in Florida, the University of Dayton, Georgetown University Law Center, John Carroll University, St. Catherine University in Minnesota, the University of San Diego, Gonzaga University School of Law and Saint Louis University.
In an interview with Tim Drake, senior writer for the National Catholic Register, Cardinal Newman Society President Patrick Reilly talked about the changes made.
“The underlying problems at these colleges are still there and need to be addressed, and that takes time. But we do know that, as often happens at these institutions, problem faculty, staff, and students create these links and it’s not until we bring it to the attention of college officials that they’re able to do anything about it,” he said.
“We’re excited. That’s nearly 20 percent,” he said of the percentage of schools taking action in response to the CNS report. “The tide is turning. These schools don’t want a bad reputation. We expect to see more changes in the upcoming weeks.”
He said the links to Planned Parenthood and pro-abortion groups on Catholic college websites “point to larger problems at these institutions” and that pro-life advocates and watchdog groups like the Cardinal Newman Society must remain vigilant.
“What is publicized on the Internet often indicates more extensive concerns hidden from public view, so while the information contained this report is shocking and scandalous, it is only based on a rudimentary search of college websites and likely does not capture all ties to Planned Parenthood at Catholic colleges and universities,” CNS adds. “Any relationship to Planned Parenthood or those who have worked for such an organization is simply unacceptable. In no way can the work of Planned Parenthood be considered compatible with the mission of Catholic higher education or the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.”
“Furthermore, any relationship to Planned Parenthood endangers students who may develop a sense of comfort with an organization that destroys innocent lives, ruins souls and plays a leading role in the demise of American culture. A Catholic educator who cares for the well-being of students would do everything possible to dissuade a student from entering the doors of a Planned Parenthood clinic. Nothing good can come of it,” CNS says. “Finally, the brazen manner in which Catholic colleges and universities are publicly disclosing—even proudly touting—their ties or the ties of their employees, students and alumni to Planned Parenthood is shocking. There appears to be a pervasive attitude toward Planned Parenthood that regards the abortion and contraceptive agency as benign. This attitude is simply inconsistent with a genuine Catholic sensibility.”
CNS concluded: “We urge Catholic colleges and universities to embrace a no-tolerance position for any relationship with Planned Parenthood—including disqualifying candidates for teaching positions with previous experience working with or for pro-abortion organizations. There are matters of Catholic identity which require discernment and which may not point to simple solutions. There is no such nuance here—Planned Parenthood is a serious danger to the health, lives and souls of innocent students. There is no place for Planned Parenthood on a Catholic campus.”
Read the updated report here.
