A Catholic university in California that was caught paying for abortions in its student health plans said it is just complying with state and federal laws.
Earlier this month, an investigation by The College Fix found that the University of San Diego included elective abortions and abortifacients in its student health insurance plan for the 2021-2022 school year.
The university responded to the investigation by saying its health insurance plan must follow state and federal laws, according to California Catholic Daily.
“USD’s employee and student benefit plans are required to align with state and federal regulations,” university spokesperson Lissette Martinez told The Fix. “The services mentioned 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.”
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Martinez said the University of San Diego has a “long-standing position” against promoting abortion and other “services” that “are inconsistent with the university’s Catholic identity and our values.”
When asked by the Fix to clarify what state and federal laws require universities to cover abortions, the university did not respond.
However, the university chair of theology and religious studies did defend abortion coverage in the student health care plans. According to California Catholic Daily:
“If the Church’s teaching is not in itself persuasive to patients, coercive tactics that restrict people’s healthcare decisions will not help,” Professor Emily Reimer-Barry told The College Fix, when asked if the university should not cover medical services deemed a serious sin by the Catholic Church. …
“Taking away health care from people facing traumatic medical decisions is not the way forward,” the theology professor said, after elaborating on other issues she sees as “pro-life,” including “white supremacy” and “the gender pay gap.”
Earlier this month, The Fix found that another Catholic university in California, the University of San Francisco, also covers elective abortions in its student health plans in violation of Catholic teachings about the sanctity of human life.
California is one of the most pro-abortion states in the U.S. It forces taxpayers to pay for the killing of unborn babies in abortions and soon will force all public colleges and universities to provide abortion drugs on campus for free to students. Private colleges and universities are exempt.
