Archives
October 1999
Eagle Forum of Illinois
"Christ Hospital Designated as Southside Abortuary"
Oak Brook, IL - Abortions will continue to be available to two Advocate Health Care
hospitals, according to a new policy made public on October 13. The two designated
hospitals are now Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, and Christ Hospital in Oak
Lawn, IL
Christ Hospital has been the focus of controversy concerning the practice of aborting
unborn children with various maladies who are up to 24 weeks along in development.
Attention was drawn when a hospital nurse came forward with disturbing descriptions of
babies being born alive and given to nurses for "comfort care" until the infants
breathed their last breaths, sometimes hours later. In at least one case, it was reported
that the baby was placed in a soiled utility closet until he died sometime later.
These procedures were committed upon babies whose genetic testing suggested that they may
be suffering from Down's Syndrome, Spina Bifida and in at least one case, dwarfism. A
hospital memo also stated that babies with HIV or AIDS would also be eligible for their
lives to end in the same way.
Advocate's new policy lists more specifically when these abortions will take place at
Christ Hospital and Lutheran General Hospital:
~ Healthy babies who were conceived as a result of sex crimes, such as rape and incest.
~ Babies whose mothers' lives or health are threatened "seriously"
~ Babies who suffer from conditions that would not allow them to live outside the womb.
The Advocate policy says that their six other hospitals (Bethany and Trinity hospitals and
Ravenswood Hospital Medical Center, all of Chicago; Good Samaritan Hospital, Downers
Grove; Good Shepherd Hospital, Barrington; South Suburban Hospital, Hazel Crest) will send
all their abortion referrals to Christ and Lutheran General, making these two medical
facilities the two known abortuaries of the Advocate Health Care System.
Inside sources say that the urgency of solidifying the abortion policy was determined when
Advocate decision-makers realized the national implications of this situation. This
realization appears to be tied to one specific letter, dates September 15, 1999, and
written to a member of the Advocate Health Care System board from former U.S.
Surgeon-General, C. Everett Koop.
In Dr. Koop's words, "It has come to my attention that Advocate Health Care Systems
is contemplating expanding their abortion indications to include destroying the fetus
because it has Spina Bifida. This is truly a barbaric outrage. Turman's Spina Bifida are
treated every day in this country and become competent, innovative, and creative citizens
who are both loved and loving. Abortions for Spina Bifida is not indicated unless one is
committed to a practice of eugenics."
Although not included on the press release, it was reported in two major newspapers that
abortions would no longer be committed on preborn children with Spina Bifida or Down's
Syndrome. This information, the reporters say, came from private conversations with the
public relations department of Advocate.
Confusion still dominates the controversy, as Christ Hospital's governing board now must
vote on accepting or rejecting Advocate's policy. Also, Attorney General Jim Ryan's office
is continuing its investigation into the legality of this practice at Christ Hospital.
Federal agencies are now interested, and reports are expected soon from them, as well.
Concerned citizens are continuing to sponsor prayer vigils at Christ and Lutheran General
hospitals. The next scheduled prayer vigil at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL, will be at
10:30 a.m. on November 13. Plan to attend and support those who have been fighting
this battle since April. We must continue to defend the unborn.
Media Coverage
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George Pro-Life | Parkview Christian Church