Last month, Townhall covered how a Catholic university would offer its students a course in “transgender” medicine, including treatment of “trans children.” “Gender-affirming” care encompasses hormone therapy treatment, puberty blockers, and sex reassignment surgery.
The school, Loyola University Chicago, offered the course, which was first reported by Catholic News Agency. Now, another Catholic school is reportedly including coverage for abortion and gender care in its healthcare plan for students.
The University of San Diego’s (USD) student healthcare plan for the 2023-2024 school year will cover 100 percent of the costs of students’ abortions and transgender care, according to multiple reports. “Gender-affirming” care encompasses hormone therapy treatment, puberty blockers, and sex reassignment surgery.
Campus Reform reached out to the university about the policy. A representative said that the school is not exempt from certain state laws that require the school to cover abortion and “gender-affirming care” (via Campus Reform):
When asked by Campus Reform to comment on its coverage of ‘gender-affirming care’ in its healthcare plan, USD representative Lissette Martinez responded via email that the university “does not qualify as a religious employer under the state statute. As a religiously affiliated university, USD is not exempt from certain state and federal laws.”
“The University of San Diego is proud of its history and affiliation with the Catholic Church,” Martinez wrote. “Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Catholic higher education, USD welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background to its community as students and employees. Because of this inclusive approach to education and employment, USD doesn’t fit the statute’s definition of a ‘religious employer.’”
“We encourage our community members to consult with their medical providers on the best course of treatment for any medical concern,” she added.
When asked by Campus Reform to comment on its coverage of abortion in the healthcare plan, USD also cited state law.
“As an independent, Catholic university operating in the State of California, the University of San Diego is obligated to align our student and employee health insurance plans with state law (SB 245),” Martinez told Campus Reform.
Late last month, pro-life organization Live Action pointed out that USD was choosing to continue funding abortions. This reportedly came after a court ruled that California cannot force churches to fund abortions.
Why does the University of San Diego cover abortion in its campus health plan?https://t.co/TqZWU1DSIl
— Live Action (@LiveAction) July 25, 2023
Martinez also told The College Fix that the school is not exempt from covering abortions and transgender care from its health plan.
“USD’s employee and student benefit plans are required to align with state and federal regulations,” Martinez told The College Fix.
“The services mentioned [abortion and transgender drugs and surgeries] are typically those that are required to be covered, and individuals are encouraged to consult with their medical provider regarding the best course of treatment for any medical concern,” she added.
Campus Reform noted that at least four other Catholic schools have health insurance policies that include coverage for transgender care. This includes Fordham University, Boston College, St. Louis University and University of San Francisco.