Denver-based Catholic Health Initiatives has said it was "morally wrong" for its lawyers to argue that fetuses do not have legal status in a recent wrongful death lawsuit, as the argument conflicts with teachings from the Roman Catholic Church, according to a Denver Post report.
The case stems from the death of Lori Stodghill, who died at CHI's St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, Colo., on Jan. 1, 2006 while seven-months pregnant with twin sons. The patient's husband and daughter sued CHI, St. Thomas More Hospital and two physicians for three wrongful deaths.
CHI lawyers defended the case by arguing Colorado law does not consider fetuses to be persons. The lawyers' argument was based on Colorado's Wrongful Death Act, which says fetuses do not have legal status, but it contradicts the Catholic Church's moral teaching that life begins at the moment of conception.
Catholic bishops have publicly expressed concern that a Catholic hospital and system would take such a stance. After meeting with a group of bishops, CHI said it will redirect its legal course and halt any citation of the Wrongful Death Act in future hearings for the case. Furthermore, CHI and the Catholic bishops called the Wrongful Death Act unjust and said it fails to adequately protect the rights of the unborn.
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The case stems from the death of Lori Stodghill, who died at CHI's St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, Colo., on Jan. 1, 2006 while seven-months pregnant with twin sons. The patient's husband and daughter sued CHI, St. Thomas More Hospital and two physicians for three wrongful deaths.
CHI lawyers defended the case by arguing Colorado law does not consider fetuses to be persons. The lawyers' argument was based on Colorado's Wrongful Death Act, which says fetuses do not have legal status, but it contradicts the Catholic Church's moral teaching that life begins at the moment of conception.
Catholic bishops have publicly expressed concern that a Catholic hospital and system would take such a stance. After meeting with a group of bishops, CHI said it will redirect its legal course and halt any citation of the Wrongful Death Act in future hearings for the case. Furthermore, CHI and the Catholic bishops called the Wrongful Death Act unjust and said it fails to adequately protect the rights of the unborn.
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