U.S. Catholic Bishops Reinforce Guidance on Gender Care at Hospitals

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has formally approved revisions to the ethical and religious directives that govern Catholic health care institutions nationwide, clarifying their approach to gender care. This step solidifies a longstanding stance within Catholic hospitals regarding treatments related to transgender patients and underscores the Church’s commitment to aligning medical practice with its moral and ethical principles. Bishops emphasized that Catholic hospitals play a vital role in many communities, serving as the primary source of care for millions of patients each day. They noted that the directives guide thousands of healthcare facilities, shaping policies to ensure that medical services remain consistent with the teachings of the Church. The decision reflects careful discernment and a desire to provide clear guidance to Catholic health care providers, emphasizing the integration of faith and ethics in medical decision-making and pastoral care.

The bishops highlighted that while medical institutions in the United States offer diverse approaches to gender-related care, Catholic hospitals have historically maintained a conservative approach consistent with Church teaching. The updated directives formalize this policy, outlining the principles that govern treatment options available within Catholic facilities. The bishops emphasized that diocesan authorities hold responsibility for implementing these directives locally, ensuring that each hospital remains faithful to the ethical framework established by the Church. They underscored that these measures are intended to protect the integrity of care and the moral guidance provided by Catholic healthcare institutions. The emphasis on moral clarity reflects the Church’s broader mission to safeguard the dignity of every patient while maintaining fidelity to ethical standards that align with the teachings of Christ and the Church.

Church leaders reiterated that the directives are not intended to limit care broadly but to establish boundaries that reflect ethical and theological considerations in medical practice. The focus remains on providing compassionate, high-quality care that respects human dignity while adhering to Church teaching. The bishops highlighted that the healthcare system serves communities where Catholic hospitals are often the primary or only medical resource available, making ethical guidance essential. This decision, while raising discussion in wider medical circles, is a demonstration of the Church’s ongoing commitment to integrate faith and reason, ensuring that medical care provided in Catholic facilities supports both the physical and spiritual well-being of patients. By clarifying the directives, bishops have sought to provide consistent guidance to healthcare professionals, strengthen ethical oversight, and offer a framework that aligns with the Church’s understanding of human dignity, moral responsibility, and pastoral care.