Anti-Abortion, Catholic Groups Question Hospital Plan

Catholic and anti-abortion groups in Massachusetts are questioning a proposal by Caritas Christi Health Care network to join with a secular health organization that would cover abortions and family planning services.

Under the proposal, Boston Archdiocese affiliated Caritas would join with St. Louis-based Centene Corp. to participate in the state's subsidized health program, Commonwealth Care.

C. J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League of Massachusetts, tells The Boston Globe the proposal is "an appalling betrayal of Catholic principles."

Anne Fox, president of the anti-abortion group Massachusetts Citizens for Life, says the plan "just doesn't hang right."

Caritas says it will continue to follow Catholic teaching.