The Catholic Xavier University includes abortion in its health insurance

The university says abortion is not covered, even though the plan says so

Not only does Xavier University’s health insurance plan appear to cover abortion, it appears the school specifically added it to the coverage.

But the Catholic University of Cincinnati denies that its health insurance covers abortion.

A “policy endorsement” of the plan appeared to remove an “exclusion” of abortion.

The plan lists abortion as a “non-EHB (essential health benefit) benefit that is added to the plan through supplemental approval.” It, like other covered benefits, includes the amount the plan pays for in- and out-of-network providers.

On the next page, you will see that the “policy endorsement” appears to have been signed by University President Colleen Hanycz.

“Benefits will be paid at the benefit levels indicated in the benefit schedule,” the approval said.

The university’s public relations specialist said “no” when asked whether the plan includes abortion. He said: “There has been no change in this policy from previous years.” He said there are few participants in the plan.

The College Fix asked for clarification because the wording seems to indicate that abortion is covered. The solution said there may have been confusion at the end due to the dual negative consequences of removing exclusions.

“The confusion over the wording is absolutely understandable – but again, the answer to your question is: no, elective abortions are not covered by the policy,” spokesman David Hamilton said in late March.

He did not respond to another inquiry sent two weeks ago asking why the plan includes deductibles for a non-covered benefit.

United Healthcare has not responded to multiple email and phone contacts in recent weeks seeking clarification on what the policy says.

MORE: New California law results in 400 abortions on campus

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati also did not respond to multiple requests for comment on the policy.

The Catholic Church has always condemned abortion as a serious evil.

“Since the first century, the Church has affirmed the moral evil of all abortion,” says the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is, abortion that is willed as an end or as a means, is seriously contrary to the moral law.”

Pro-life group American Life League criticized the plan’s apparent endorsement of abortion.

“Catholic teaching makes it explicitly clear that abortion is never okay. The Catholic Church never allows exceptions for abortion,” Communications Director Katie Brown said. The solution through a media statement. “Abortion is the intentional killing of a child, every time.”

When asked what the university should do to reconcile this apparent reporting, Brown said: “Xavier must quickly edit this policy. We encourage Ohio bishops to hold the college accountable for promoting this evil.”

As a Catholic, she called it “disheartening” to see the university “making policies that directly contradict our faith.”

“However, it is a great opportunity for our bishops and church leaders to remind the laity why abortion is always bad, and what incredible life-affirming options exist,” Brown said.

Other Catholic universities include abortion in their health care plans, including St. Xavier University in Chicago and the University of San Diego, as previously reported by The solution.

MORE: Abortions are coming to Columbia’s campus

IMAGE: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company

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