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October 21, 1999
The Reporter

"Advocate approves policy to ban certain abortions at Christ Hospital"
by Iva-Marie Palmer

Abortions of fetuses testing positive for genetic disorders such as Down syndrome and spina bifida will no longer be performed at Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to a new policy approved by Advocate Health Care Network on October 11.

In its first official policy on pregnancy terminations, Advocate Health Care Network states it will limit abortions to cases of rape or incest and "where there is a serious threat to the life or health of the mother or when there are lethal fetal anomalies incompatible with sustained life."

"Lethal anomalies" include situations in which the fetus develops without vital organs, such as kidneys or a brain; and other severe deformities that would cause the fetus to not come to term, an Advocate spokesman said.

The policy will not take full effect until Jan. 1, 2000, as the hospital must provide "continuity of care" to patients who have already had genetic tests and are undergoing pregnancy counseling, a spokesperson for Advocate Health Care said.

The new policy also limits abortions procedures to two of Advocate's eight hospital - Christ and Lutheran General in Park Ridge. These two facilities have the most sophisticated and most advanced departments to evaluate fetal health, said Dan Parker, vice president of public relations for Advocate. Patients at the other hospitals - including South Suburban in Hazel Crest and Good Samaritan in Downers Grove - will not be denied access to services for high-risk pregnancies, but will be referred to Christ or Lutheran General, Parker said.

The new policy comes after public opposition from pro-life groups and community members. In past months, several antiabortion prayer vigils have been held on the grounds of Christ Hopistal and Meidcal Center, 4440 W. 95th St., in Oak Lawn, asking hospital and Advocate officials to stop all abortions.

Advocate Health Care realized the need for a writte

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