ACLU Protests Catholic Hospital's Decision To Deny Sterilization
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (AP) - The American Civil Liberties Union says a Flint-area Catholic hospital won't allow a doctor to perform sterilization surgery on a woman who has brain tumors.
The ACLU says Jessica Mann wants a tubal ligation to prevent future pregnancies when she gives birth through cesarean section on Oct. 24. The ACLU says Genesys hospital in Grand Blanc won't allow it.
Johnny Smith Jr., a spokesman for the hospital's parent, Ascension, says he can't comment on a patient. But he says the company follows the "ethical and religious directives" of the Catholic church.
Mann's doctor only has hospital privileges at Genesys. The ACLU says it's risky for the 33-year-old to be pregnant with tumors.
In a letter last week to Genesys, the ACLU suggests it's violating state law by blocking appropriate care.
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