TORONTO, February 24, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Catholic hospital in Toronto has taken seriously the action of one of its doctors whose talk to teens about sex contravened church teaching on sex before marriage and the use of abortifacient contraception. LifeSiteNews.com exposed the talk by Dr. Sari Kives of St. Michael’s Hospital two weeks ago.
The hospital initially responded to citizen complaints with letters stating that the LifeSiteNews.com coverage was not accurate. However Chuckie Shevlen, the St. Michael’s Director of Mission and Values was contacted by LifeSiteNews.com with verification of the report.
After receiving further information from LifeSiteNews.com, the hospital conferred with the doctor and clarified its position to those who had expressed concerns. The administration wrote, “We have investigated the situation thoroughly and have spoken to the physician in question. We have been told by the physician that she did not intend to misrepresent the values of St. Michael’s Hospital”. “The hospital does not promote sex in teens”, explained the hospital. “Following our investigation, we believe that the physician is committed to fulfilling our mission and values and understands the issues that have arisen from this situation.” Speaking with LifeSiteNews.com today about the talk by Dr. Kives, Shevlen said, “we regret that it happened.” She added the LifeSiteNews.com report and the concerns expressed by faithful Catholics were used “as a great learning opportunity to correct our internal process.” She stressed, “obviously as a Catholic organization we want to know if our values are being misrepresented.” Shevlen noted that “physicians are expected to honour the Catholic health care ethics guide in their practice when they have privileges within a Catholic hospital.”
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage: Doctor at Toronto Catholic Hospital tells teens how to have “full enjoyment of sexual experience” https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2004/feb/04020903.html
To express congratulations to St. Michael’s contact: Chuckie Shevlen Director Mission and Values St. Michael’s Hospital [email protected]