Catholic bishops weigh tightening rules for healthcare partnerships

The 2011 merger of the two remaining hospitals in Troy, N.Y., had many potential benefits —and one huge hurdle. Samaritan was secular, committed to providing the widest possible spectrum of reproductive and maternity care to its Albany-area patients. St. Mary's was Catholic, limiting or banning many reproductive options— and any merger partner had to abide by the same rules. It took several years of negotiations among three different health systems, much back-and-forth with women's advocates, and the sign-off of the local bishop. But in the end, the parties struck a deal that all of them could live with. The centerpiece was the brand-new Burdett Care Center, housed on Samaritan's second floor.