Boston Archbishop Backs Caritas Patnership

Cardinal Sean O'Malley says he's been assured by a Catholic hospital network that it will not engage in any procedures that violate the Church's moral teaching.

The Boston Archbishop issued a statement Thursday night after Catholic and anti-abortion groups in Massachusetts questioned a proposal by Caritas Christi Health Care — which is affiliated with the Boston Archdiocese — to join with a secular health organization.

Under the plan, Caritas would join with a St. Louis-based company to participate in the state's subsidized health program, Commonwealth Care, which covers abortions and family planning services.

O'Malley said he supported the proposed arrangement, but only if it were to happen "without compromising the Catholic identity of the system."