Largest Catholic Healthcare Network in America Forms Partnership with Medical Abortion Provider

CommonSpirit Partners with Women's Clinic Offering Medical Abortion

According to a report from The Lepanto Institute, the largest Catholic healthcare network in America, CommonSpirit, has partnered with a women's clinic, Tia, that offers medical abortion drugs through virtual appointments. The report suggests that this partnership indicates the network is actively working to expand abortion access in the United States.

Tia Expands Abortion Access in Multiple States

Tia, a women's healthcare company, has announced that it will provide abortion access in multiple states, including California, New York, and Arizona. This decision comes after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, removing constitutional protection for abortion rights in the United States. Tia had previously operated in California and New York before partnering with CommonSpirit, and it has now established a clinic in Arizona with the support of a Catholic organization.

Virtual Medication Abortion Services Offered

The company is announcing its commitment to support patients in accessing medication abortion. They will provide this service through their virtual care team in California and New York, where it is legal, and through a local care partner in Arizona, where they will closely monitor local laws.

Criticism from Lepanto Institute President

Michael Hichborn, the President of the Lepanto Institute, is criticizing the Catholic healthcare network, CommonSpirit, for its partnership with Tia, a women's healthcare startup. Hichborn believes that Tia is on track to become a version of Planned Parenthood, and he wants there to be consequences for CommonSpirit's involvement. He argues that this is another reason why CommonSpirit should be stripped of its Catholic identity.

Tia Expands to Arizona with CommonSpirit's Support

Tia, a healthcare company, has expanded to Arizona after partnering with CommonSpirit, a Catholic organization with a significant presence in the state. CommonSpirit owns 65% of Tia's clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, as per their latest tax forms. The launch of Tia's Arizona site was a major focus when the partnership was initially formed in 2021.

CommonSpirit and Tia Launch Women's Health Clinics

Two healthcare leaders, CommonSpirit Health and Tia, have joined forces to launch women's health clinics under the Tia brand. These clinics will offer a combination of virtual and in-person care. The first clinic is set to open in Phoenix, where CommonSpirit operates multiple Dignity Health medical centers.

Questions Surrounding Tia's Operations in Arizona

Tia, a clinic that offers medication abortion through virtual visits in New York and California, is facing questions about its operations in Arizona. The website does not mention anything about its services in Arizona, and both Tia and CommonSpirit, the healthcare system that Tia partners with, have not responded to requests for comment.

Tia's Evolution and Planned Parenthood Support

According to the Lepanto Institute, Tia, a mobile app, has expanded to include physical clinics. The app, called "Ask Tia," initially provided information on birth control and sexual health to young women in a non-judgmental and body-positive environment. The Catholic organization aims to defend the Catholic Church against external and internal attacks. The institute claims that Tia Women's Health had clear intentions to provide abortion services since its founding in 2017 and that CommonSpirit Health would have been aware of this intention when they agreed to the partnership.

Tia's Support for Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood

According to a report from the Lepanto Institute, Tia, a women's health organization, had expressed support for Roe v. Wade on social media in 2019. The report highlights a graphic posted by Tia stating that "choice over your own body and health is the foundation for equality." This information is significant as it comes to light after Tia recently formed a partnership with CommonSpirit. The report also mentions that Tia's CEO, Carolyn Witte, expressed support for Planned Parenthood in 2015.

Tia's Growth and Controversy

According to the Lepanto Institute, Tia, a birth control app, has experienced significant growth thanks to its partnership with CommonSpirit. The report suggests that this collaboration has provided Tia with access to a wider audience of women and has helped the company gain prestige and leverage for fundraising. As a result, Tia has transformed from a small app into a $100 million operation. The partnership has also sparked controversy due to CommonSpirit's Statement of Common Values, which prohibits clinics from performing "elective" abortions.

Controversy Surrounding CommonSpirit's Transgender Healthcare Services

The article discusses the controversy surrounding CommonSpirit Health and its provision of transgender healthcare services. The Lepanto Institute is calling for the Catholic Church to investigate CommonSpirit and revoke its Catholic identity. CommonSpirit has been accused of providing transgender sex change operations and offering healthcare plans that cover transgender-related services such as hormone therapy and gender-reassignment surgeries. Despite the criticism, CommonSpirit's CEO, Lloyd Dean, has stated that the organization will continue to prioritize patient care and that Tia, the Catholic Church's ethical and religious directives, will be upheld.

United States Catholic Bishops Revise Directives

The United States Catholic Bishops have voted to revise directives for Catholic healthcare services, stating that they should not provide medical interventions aimed at changing a patient's sex. This decision comes as CommonSpirit, an organization recognized by the Catholic Church, sponsored the revision and is considered equivalent to a diocese or religious order within the Church.