The Newman Guide to Choosing a Catholic CollegeThe Center for the Advancement of Catholic Higher EducationRENOVOThe Catholic Higher Education BlogThe Cardinal Newman Society"...a public conscience for Catholic higher education,"Father Matthew Lamb, Ave Maria University"...a voice crying out in the wilderness,"Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR"...simply one of the most effective Catholic apostolates in America,"Brian St. Paul, editor InsideCatholic.com
Since releasing this report, we have learned that Massachusetts state law requires insurers to provide coverage for contraceptive drugs when other prescription drugs are covered, and also for contraceptive outpatient services when other outpatient services are covered. The law exempts churches and institutions controlled or substantially supported by a church, but Boston College is legally controlled by an independent board of trustees, not the founding Jesuit order.Our report incorrectly suggested that Boston College’s student insurance coverage was not required under state law. A Boston College spokesman has also confirmed in communications to alumni that the student insurance plan does not cover elective abortion.
Since releasing this report, we have learned that Massachusetts state law requires insurers to provide coverage for contraceptive drugs when other prescription drugs are covered, and also for contraceptive outpatient services when other outpatient services are covered. The law exempts churches and institutions controlled or substantially supported by a church, but Boston College is legally controlled by an independent board of trustees, not the founding Jesuit order.
Our report incorrectly suggested that Boston College’s student insurance coverage was not required under state law.
A Boston College spokesman has also confirmed in communications to alumni that the student insurance plan does not cover elective abortion.
New research by The Cardinal Newman Society has uncovered evidence that the student health insurance plan provided by Boston College, a Jesuit institution of Catholic higher education, includes coverage for “family planning” services such as birth control pills.
“Now that it has been uncovered that Boston College is providing unethical coverage to students, college officials should take immediate action to provide students with insurance options that conform to Catholic teachings,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “BC needs to send a strong message, especially after students voted in a referendum last year to petition the college to make contraceptives available on campus.”
