How Catholic Universities Support Planned Parenthood

The U.S. House of Representatives has voted to de-fund the nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood. Now, it looks as if the Senate will be voting on the issue, as well.

Meanwhile, a new report, “A Scandalous Relationship: Catholic Colleges and Planned Parenthood”, by the Manassas, Va.-based Cardinal Newman Society, reveals more than 150 current and past connections between Catholic colleges and universities and Planned Parenthood.

The Cardinal Newman Society broke the connections down into seven different categories: Counseling and Medical Referrals; Internships and Fellowships; Job Referrals; Faculty, Staff, Leaders; Campus Clubs and Events, Academic Activities and Referrals; and Student and Alumni Recognition.

The report includes many well-known Catholic colleges and universities, including the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown, Marquette University Law School, Boston College, Seattle University, St. Louis University and many others.

The following is just a sampling. For the complete report and all of the examples, visit the Cardinal Newman Society.

Marquette University Law School (WI) includes a “Milwaukee Survival Guide” on its website, recommending the services of Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women.

Mount St. Mary’s College’s (CA) Counseling and Psychological Services offers a list of “Pregnancy and Parent Resources,” which includes the Santa Monica Center of Planned Parenthood, the Los Angeles Center of Planned Parenthood, and Catholics for Choice.

Assumption College’s (MA) Student and Development and Counseling Center recruited students in 2007 for summer internships with the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.

The University of Dayton’s (OH) Women’s Gender and Studies Program identifies “placement opportunities” for student “service learning,” including Planned Parenthood.

Both the University of San Diego and the University of San Francisco’s Career Services offices list Planned Parenthood among resources for future careers.

University of St. Thomas  (MN) adjunct professor Jennifer Oliphant, touts her experience as a health educator with Planned Parenthood of Minnesota/South Dakota.  Spalding University associate professor of communication touts her credentials of having served on the board of Planned Parenthood.

Gonzaga University (WA) highlights the credentials of a member of the Board of Regents, including her service on the Board of Planned Parenthood.

The College of St. Catherine (MN) communications students’ COMM Club announced in April 2007 their plans for a support rally for Planned Parenthood.

The Cardinal Newman Society notes that all of this information was publicized on the Internet, and therefore probably only represents the tip of the iceberg.

“What is publicized on the Internet often indicates more extensive concerns hidden from public view,” said the Newman Society in a press release.

“The brazen manner in which Catholic colleges and universities are publicly disclosing – even proudly touting – their ties or the ties of their employees, students, and alumni to Planned Parenthood is shocking,” says the introduction to the report. “In no way can the work of Planned Parenthood be considered compatible with the mission of Catholic higher education or the moral teachings of the Catholic Church.”

The Cardinal Newman Society urges Catholic colleges and universities to embrace a “no-tolerance position for any relationship with Planned Parenthood.”