As a secular institution, why does Abington need to stop offering abortions? One cannot offer a complete series of women's health services without it--where are women who require medically-necessary abortions to go?

That's a huge concession for Abington to make. One of the reasons I chose NOT to use HR as the place to have my baby was because of their anti-choice stance. What will Abington do in emergency situations?

Not a good Choice. Holy Redeemer has been rated higher than Abington recently.

What's not a good choice?

Abington has a real problem with cleanliness.

I agree with Victor - I was in the ER at Abington not long ago and the room in which we were treated was absolutely filthy.

Regardless, I'm extremely disappointed that Abintgon would make this concession. It's just not necessary. HR has as much to gain from the merger as Abg does, I can't believe they had that much of an upper hand in the negotiations that they were able to force this issue. And, as noted, Abg is a secular institution. Does HR make all of its secular partners and service providers follow church canon? Unlikely.

As a patient of women's health services at Abington, I was extremely dismayed to read that Abington will discontinue providing abortions. For me this is reason enough to discontinue using Abington's services and doctors. I am not Catholic, and while I respect any woman's right NOT to choose an abortion, I would hope that a secular institution would respect the legal rights of ALL women.

I believe it is another chip out of competition and reduces consumer choices. Once we only have one choice the only decision is to get service under their terms or do without.

Apparently Mr. Merlis does not have a great and deep respect for the women of Abington Township. His choice to stop offering abortion services to women is a appalling affront to all the women of this community.

I think that there's a segment of society that would rather see women go back to use wire hangers in back alleys than let a respectable hospital such as Abington perform legal & safe abortions on women who need them. For Abington to concede on this is a really telling sign of just how little they're concerned with doing what's right and how much they're concerned with what will get them more money instead.

This merger between Abington Hospital and Holy Redeemer, eliminates choices for Woman. Abington Hospital and it's board and COO are bowing down to the religious teachings of Holy Redeemer, for one thing only - GREED. Is it not possible for Abington Hospital to merge with a hospital that gives choices to everyone, such as Thomas Jefferson Hospital, Univ of Pennslyvania, etc. People of Abington township UNITE and PROTEST against this atrocity. Are you going to allow any religious institution to take away YOUR CHOICES, YOUR OPTIONS.

You know this deal was already done before this year's fete. Nice of Abington Hospital to solicit money from the local community then come out with this merger and policy change two weeks later. Just goes to show - it is all about money. But we can play that game too. Stop giving them any.

Regardless of any of our opinions about abortion, it IS a LEGAL procedure. Its use should be determined by the expertice of the MD, in agreement with his/her patient. I spoke with an AMH PR representative this morning and was told that AMH board of directors gave into HR's request that NO ABORTIONS of any type will be done at AMH, no matter what their staff doctor's opinions may be, and it is specifically mentioned in the letter of intent. The ban on abortions at AMH will not begin until the formal contract is signed, and the regulatory process is comple, probably in the spring of 2013. They are now in a period of "due diligence" where "information will be shared, and a more formal agreement will be worked toward." They believe that this period will last until about October. The AMH rep could NOT gaurantee that other procedures and meds that HR does not provide due to their adherence to religious directives, directed by the Vatican, like vasectomies, tubal ligations, tubal ligations after c sections, the morning after pill available in the ER post rape, birth control, certain infertility treatments etc. would continue to be available. Please note that she did NOT say that they would be discontinued either. However, it seems like the amount of power the Catholic church will be able to exert over our local health care is yet to be determined. If you are concerned about this, please contact the Board of Directors at AMH and let your voices be heard!

Is there any information on the number of abortions that Abington performs each year? I have not seen any figures. It would be useful to know how big a player Abington is in this field.

Also, has there been any discussion as to whether another entity will step up to replace the hospital?

I URGE YOU TO CONTACT ABINGTON HOSPITAL AND TELL THEM THAT YOU REFUSE TO HAVE ANY CARE AT ANY OF THEIR FACILITIES IF THEY MERGE WITH THE CATHOLIC SYSTEM!!!

This example of the manipulation of our health care system by big business is disgraceful and deceptive.
it is an outrageous act that is a direct assault on our constitutional rights which will have far reaching impact on our right to choose. It is a devious way for anti- abortionists to advance their agenda in partnership with corporate power and greed. It allows religion to dominate health care and forces women in need to have fewer places to receive safe healthcare.

This chipping away at our fundamental rights will continue to happen in communities around the country if we don't take a stand. I am refusing to ever be treated by the Abington Health System if this merger occurs and telling everyone I can to do the same.. We are moving backwards in time and cannot allow Philadelphia to become the next Mississippi. 

Though I am not Catholic, I married into a large Catholic family. It is getting harder and harder to raise my children learning about both interest in both religions, then allowing them to choose at an appropriate age. While womens' rights are definitely an issue with this merger, all patients should be concerned. I had never been a big fan of North Penn Hospital (under any of its names). But an emergency delivery by ambulance showed me vast improvement under Abington's leadership.
Now it will take a step backwards, no a leap backwards because I can not take the chance, that a health decision has the possibility of being limited or forced on me, ignoring my living directive just because the Catholic Church will decide what the secular hospital will do. When the time comes, my family will have enough to deal with besides fighting for my quality of life.