New research suggests that long-term use of any type of hormones to ease menopause symptoms can raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

It is already known that taking pills that combine estrogen and progestin – the most common type of hormone therapy – can increase breast cancer risk. but women who no longer have a uterus can take estrogen alone, which was thought to be safe and possibly even slightly beneficial in terms of cancer risk.

The new study suggests otherwise, if the pills are used for many years. it tracked the health of about 60,000 nurses and found that use of any kind of hormones for 10 years or more slightly raised the chances of developing breast cancer.“There’s a continued increase in risk with longer durations of use, and there does not appear to be a plateau,’’ said study leader Dr. Wendy Chen of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

The hormone picture has been confusing, and the absolute risk of breast cancer for any woman taking hormone pills remains small. Doctors say women should use the lowest dose needed for the shortest time possible.

“It’s hard to be surprised that if you keep taking it, sooner or later it’s going to raise risk,’’ said Dr. Robert Clarke of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The study was discussed Sunday in Chicago at a conference of the American Association for Cancer Research.

Another study presented at the conference might help explain why black women are so much more likely than whites to develop and die from cervical cancer: they seem to have more trouble clearing HPV, the virus that causes the disease.

Doctors have long thought that less access to screening and follow-up health care were the reasons black women are 40 percent more likely to develop cervical cancer and twice as likely to die from it. the new study involving young college women suggests there might be a biological explanation for the racial disparity, too.

If further study confirms this novel finding, it would make the HPV vaccine even more important for black women, said Worta McCaskill-Stevens, a prevention specialist at the National Cancer Institute. the vaccine is recommended for all girls starting at age 11.

Certain strains of HPV, the human papillomavirus, cause cervical cancer, but brief infections are very common in young women. they usually go away on their own within a year or so and only pose a cancer risk when they last long-term.

Researchers at the University of South Carolina in Columbia studied 326 white and 113 black students taking part in a wider federal health study. All were given Pap tests – lab exams of cells scraped from the cervix – and HPV tests every six months throughout their years in school.

Although the groups were similar in how many new HPV infections were detected and risk factors such as how many sex partners they had, doctors saw striking differences in how long their infections lasted.

At any checkup, black women were 1.5 times more likely to test positive for infection with one of the HPV strains that raise cancer risk, said study leader Kim Creek.

“the African-American women weren’t clearing the virus as fast,’’ he said. “they were actually holding onto it about six months longer,’’ for 18 months versus 12 months for white women. ten percent of black women had abnormal Pap tests versus 6 percent of whites.

Two years after initial infections were found, 56 percent of black women were still infected but only 24 percent of white women remained infected.

The government’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities sponsored the study.

Jackson Health System

Angela’s father Petrit Bushi, Angela and her mother Valbona, smile after the 6-year-old girl received a new liver, two kidneys and pancreas.

By Rita Rubin

Valbona Bushi, 28, knew even before the doctors did: her daughter Angela’s liver was failing, just as Angela’s younger sister’s had.

At first, emergency room doctors dismissed the kindergartener’s flu-like symptoms as nothing serious. but the next day the 6-year-old’s abdomen was slightly swollen. Bushi, whose 18-month-old daughter Alicia had died of liver failure just a few months earlier, rushed Angela back to the hospital near their home in Jacksonville, Fla. after tests revealed the little girl needed a liver transplant and she was referred to Holtz Children’s Hospital, affiliated with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

A new liver would save Angela from imminent death, but doctors wanted to do more — to try to actually extend her life. Angela, whose parents had moved to Jacksonville from Albania seven years ago, had been newly diagnosed with a rare, fatal genetic disorder called Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome. only about 60 cases of the disorder – which causes infant-onset diabetes and liver failure, as well as bone fractures, intellectual impairment and frequent infections — have been reported. only one of those children lived into young adulthood. It had killed Angela’s younger sister and damaged Angela’s organs.

On December 29, in an unprecedented multiple-organ transplant on a child, Angela received a liver, two kidneys and a pancreas, doctors said.

 The operation – the first time a transplant has been used to treat the disorder —  “might offer some hope for these children with this rare syndrome, that life can be prolonged, hopefully in a very meaningful way,” Dr. Andreas Tzakis, transplant surgeon, told msnbc.com Thursday. Tzakis is the chief of the liver and digestive tract program at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

A viral infection, the kind most kids easily bounce back from, caused Angela’s liver failure, said Dr. Olaf Bodamer, director of the pediatric genetics program at Holtz Children’s Hospital. In children with Wolcott-Rallison, a protein doesn’t function normally. When patients contract a virus, their cells are unable to clear the resulting waste products, Bodamer explained. “Theoretically, any organ could be affected,” he says, but the liver, pancreas and kidneys are most vulnerable.

Angelad was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as as a baby, but, since her transplant, is no longer diabetic.

Her post-operative course “was tougher than expected,” says Tzakis. but she recovered and was discharged from the hospital on Feb. 23.

Now, Angela can’t wait to return to kindergarten which she had attended for only two weeks before becoming ill, her mother said.

“Every day she says, ‘I miss my school,’” Bushi says. Angela’s return to the germy world of elementary school will have to wait until she’s more stable, but Tzakis has “guarded optimism” that the transplant operation will halt or slow the normal course of her disorder.

“they saved my daughter’s life,” Angela’s mother Valbona told msnbc.com.

REDLANDS — The hope is that Ke’ala Thomas makes a full recovery.

The 6-year-old’s mother Candace and step-father Josh are optimistic that the worst is over.

But the ordeal of Ke’ala’s liver transplant surgery may linger for the Redlands family.

The exact cause of Ke’ala’s liver failure is not clear yet. Her condition resembled a bad cold in early December when she was diagnosed with mononucleosis.

Ke’ala then began to experience symptoms of jaundice.

Ke’ala was sick for Christmas, and, after more labwork was completed, doctors discovered Ke’ala had a high sugar count and needed to return to the hospital.

Later that day, Dec. 30, Ke’ala was diagnosed with liver failure.

“I pretty much collapsed into tears,” said Candace Thomas, 25. “It was overwhelming. It all happened so fast. there was no time to think. I thought I could lose my daughter. will she die in my arms?”

Then doctors determined that Ke’ala needed to be transported to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Candace and Ke’ala were put in a helicopter and flew there.

Three days later Ke’ala underwent a 10-hour liver transplant surgery.

“It started at 4 p.m., and we didn’t get to see her again until about midnight,” Candace said. “I couldn’t handle it. you have to be prepared for the worst.”

Candace and Josh did their best to explain it to Ke’ala.

“I don’t know if she ever fully wrapped her mind around how bad it was,” Josh said. “It’s tough to explain to a 6-year-old.”

Ke’ala remains at the Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. She had a rough time the day after surgery but she is recovering.

“She is very responsive,” Candace said. “She has her spunky attitude, if not more.”

On Monday Candace went to Smiley Elementary School where Ke’ala attends first grade, to arrange homework assignments.

“Her teacher was devastated,” Candace said. “We don’t want her to fall behind in school. If she is feeling good enough to do artwork, we feel she can do homework too.”

The surgery itself cost in excess of $230,000 and the family will need to meet costs that have come with the experience, including missed work and gasoline from commuting to Los Angeles.

The Thomases have been using the accommodations of the Ronald McDonald House.

Fund-raising efforts have begun and the family has started a blog starsforkeala.wordpress.com and Facebook page called starsforkeala.

“The cost was something I couldn’t even think of,” Josh said. “It was like it wasn’t real. It was like I was running from it.”

Reach Ed via email, or call him at 909-793-3221

Lexi trots down the hall of the inpatient oncology unit at Northwestern Memorial’s Prentice Women’s Hospital and is greeted with smiles, cheers, and even a few tears.  The anticipated visitors sense the excitement, but understand Lexi is there to do her job and she gets right to work visiting 54 year old cancer patient Leonard Pal. Lexi is not your typical visitor; she’s a Golden Retriever bringing distraction and cheer to very sick patients.  The visits are part of a new animal-assisted therapy program launched at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in conjunction with the Canine Therapy Corps in Chicago.

“Who wouldn’t mind getting a visit by a beautiful red head,” said Pal about the five year old Golden Retriever. Pal is being treated for colon cancer which has metastasized to his liver. He’s in and out of the hospital undergoing tests and receiving medicine to manage his pain. “This is the highlight of my day; I was waiting for her all morning,” added Pal as Lexi cozies up to his bedside.

The program began this summer on the oncology unit of Prentice Women’s Hospital, part of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where Lexi, Willow and Piper, the newest dog in the program, visit cancer, palliative care and hospice patients.  The program has been so well received, that it has been recently expanded to include visits with patients in the women care unit as well as the surgical floor where many of the patients have paralysis and are in the hospital long-term.

“We are excited to be able to provide a welcomed break in the day for patients, many of whom are in the hospital for long term care. Interacting with the dogs has a noticeable impact on their mood and enhances their well being,” said Patricia Murphy, RN, MSN, director of oncology nursing at Northwestern Memorial.  

Research suggests that visits with animals may improve patient outcomes, decrease length of hospital stay, help with confusion, depression and manage pain symptoms.  

“It’s never fun to be at the hospital. It’s uncomfortable to have needles in your arm and scary to undergo tests, but when I see the dogs I forget about my treatment. They ease the burden of being in the hospital and really make a big difference in my day,” said Pal.

Interaction with animals has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase sensory stimulation, inspire a sense of purpose, increase social interactions with staff and reduce loneliness by creating a sense of companionship.

If a patient is unable to receive a visit from the dogs because of infection control, open wounds or compromised immune systems, the dogs are trained to stand in the doorway and wave to the patient.

“Anyone who has a pet knows the joy they bring to our lives. Sharing that joy is so rewarding,” said Judith Jaffe, trained dog handler for Canine Therapy Corps and Willow’s owner.

Lexi and Willow not only bring a smile to the faces of patients like Pal, but visitors and the hospital staff are always excited to see the pups. “The oncology unit can be very stressful for staff, families and the patients. The dogs bring great energy and happiness when they come to visit. it really brightens everyone’s day,” said Jessica Palis, RN, clinical coordinator at Northwestern Memorial.  

If interested in learning more about how you can get involved please visit Canine Therapy Corps.

About Northwestern Memorial HealthCare Northwestern Memorial HealthCare is the parent corporation of Chicago’s Northwestern Memorial Hospital, an 854-bed academic medical center hospital and Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, a 215-bed community hospital located in Lake Forest, Illinois. 

About Northwestern Memorial Hospital Northwestern Memorial is one of the country’s premier academic medical center hospitals and is the primary teaching hospital of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.  along with its Prentice Women’s Hospital and Stone Institute of Psychiatry, the hospital comprises 854 beds, 1,603 affiliated physicians and 7,144 employees.  Northwestern Memorial is recognized for providing exemplary patient care and state-of-the art advancements in the areas of cardiovascular care; women’s health; oncology; neurology and neurosurgery; solid organ and soft tissue transplants and orthopaedics.

Northwestern Memorial possesses nursing Magnet Status, the nation’s highest recognition for patient care and nursing excellence, and it is listed in 12 clinical specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 “America’s Best Hospitals” guide. for 10 years running, it has been rated among the “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” guide by Working Mother magazine. The hospital is a recipient of the prestigious National Quality Health Care Award and has been chosen by Chicagoans as the Consumer Choice according to the National Research Corporation’s annual survey for 11 years.  

Sci Tech

HbA1c diabetes blood test not as effective for children

The haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test has become the preferred way to diagnose diabetes among the millions of Americans who have diabetes but show no symptoms. the simple test measures longer-term blood sugar levels — without requiring patients to fast overnight.

Not best way

But a study by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital shows it’s not the best way to diagnose diabetes in children.

But U-M researchers say more study is needed before doctors can safely rely on using haemoglobin A1c for children.

“we found that haemoglobin A1c is not as reliable a test for identifying children with diabetes and pre-diabetes compared with adults,” says study lead author Joyce M. Lee, a paediatric endocrinologist at Mott Children’s Hospital. “using this test in children may lead to missed cases.”

The study was published online ahead of print in Journal of Pediatrics and provides new insight on effectively diagnosing diabetes in children.

In 2010, the American Diabetes Association released guidelines recommending HbA1c be exclusively used for diagnosing diabetes in children and adults.

For the study, Mott researchers evaluated the testing results of 1,156 obese and overweight adolescents, ages 12-18. the ADA recommends screening only obese and overweight kids because their weight puts them at higher risk for developing diabetes.

According to the guidelines, individuals without symptoms would be classified as having diabetes if HbA1c values reach 6.5 percent and as having pre-diabetes if HbA1c values reached between 6 and 6.4 percent on two separate tests.

According to a University of Michigan press release, the cut-off point may need to be lower for kids.

Until more definitive studies are available, it’s premature to use HbA1c for children, authors say. — our Bureau

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Sci Tech

Bryce todayThe scariest thing you can tell a pregnant woman is that there’s something wrong with their baby. Hands down. Nothing is worse. But Nicole Rogerson didn’t just learn something was wrong. Doctors said her son should have surgery while he was still inside her belly!

Bryce Rogerson has hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart defect, and doctors told his mom that they would need to sticking a needle into her stomach, temporarily paralyzing her fetus. then they would move into his heart to open up a hole to help blood flow through his tiny body. Yikes!

Nicole Rogerson is an old friend. But the real reason she agreed to share her story with The Stir this month is because she spends every minute she’s not with her husband and three kids or at work talking about spreading awareness that congenital heart defects are the most common type of major birth defect. in particular, HLHS — a syndrome in which the left side of a child’s heart was underdeveloped — is one of the three most common heart issues a child can be born with, and great strides are being made to keep those kids alive. 

The in utero surgery Bryce underwent debuted at Children’s Hospital of Boston in 2001, and doctors there have done 111 since. Bryce was their 44th. having just turned 6 this week, Bryce is the oldest living survivor of in utero heart surgery.

Set the scene for us Nicole, when did you find our Bryce had HLHS?

At 22 weeks pregnant. it was with a routine ultrasound, and then I went to a pediatric cardiologist at 24 weeks for a fetal echocardiogram.

What did the doctors tell you?

Our first question was what experimental stuff is out there? They said fetal surgery, but they didn’t do it, they suggested we go up to Children’s Hospital in Boston.

Why surgery?

His survival rate, they told us, would go from 20 percent to 40 percent with the surgery. most hypoplas babies will compensate for the problems in the left ventricle by creating an atrial septal defect — a hole in the heart to let blood flow. Bryce didn’t, so that’s what they needed to do, go in and create a hole by putting a balloon in his heart, blowing it up and cutting a hole 2 millimeters wide.

You had to be scared.

It was not a hard decision for us to make. we felt if this kid makes it, we’re going to do everything we can to help him make it. if he didn’t make it, whatever information they got from him would help the next person.

Was there a risk to Bryce or a risk to you with the surgery?

The only risk to Bryce was going into pre-term labor. They do give you drugs to stop that, but they’re going into your uterus. It’s more invasive than an amniocentesis, but not that much difference.

So how did it work?

At 26 1/2 weeks pregnant, they put me under. At the time, his heart was the size of a grape. They gave him a paralytic, a shot in his leg, so he wouldn’t move. it took longer to get him into the right position than it did to do the surgery. They took two and a half hours to get him where they wanted him, but the actual procedure was 15 minutes.

Then what?

Then we waited until I delivered. I went full term. well, 37 1/2 weeks because I had to be  [at Children's Hospital]. I was induced. But if we hadn’t had the fetal surgery, he wouldn’t have made it. The hole they created, by the time he was born, it had already closed itself. His blood couldn’t get oxygen. within 45 minutes of being born, he was brought into the catheterization lab.

Did you ever think this was just too much, it wouldn’t work out?

As a parent, I never, ever, ever did. My gut instinct as a mom, I was never afraid he was going to die. I don’t know if it was the faith in the doctors or what.

Bryce’s fight isn’t over. in the past 6 years, he’s had three open heart surgeries. His lungs have taken the brunt of a heart that can’t properly oxygenate blood. But otherwise, he’s a normal kindergartner who loves the New York Yankees and the Imagination Movers.

You can find out more about congenital heart defects like Bryce’s — including signs and symptoms — at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. do you know one of the 8 out of every 1,000 newborns who has one?

Image via Nicole Rogerson

Patrick Sharrock’s first broken bone occurred in the womb.

In all, Patrick, 9, has sustained more than 50 breaks in his young life. He and his family are the recipients of an “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” at their Rossville home, primarily to help him cope with the disease.

“I have lost count” of all the breaks Patrick has sustained because of his brittle-bone disease, his pediatrician, Dr. Thomas Ho of Ringgold, Ga., said at a news conference Wednesday at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital.

Sometimes the breaks require a trip to the ER; other times Patrick’s parents can treat him, applying splints at home, Ho said.

But thanks to infusions of medicines to strengthen his bones, and Patrick’s experience at how to avoid hurting himself, there have been fewer breaks over time, Ho said.

The news conference offered more detail on Patrick’s prognosis and background on his genetic condition, which affects between 1 in 15,000 and 1 in 20,000 people.

While Patrick is at Disney World with his family, cast members from the ABC-TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” along with thousands of local volunteers, are building a house with strong floors and rounded corners that will help keep Patrick safe.

Weighing only 36 pounds, Patrick has Type 3 osteogenesis imperfecta, Ho said. Type 3 cases typically are severe and its patients usually have somewhat shortened lifespans, his doctors said.

Dr. Wendell Moses, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at T.C. Thompson, said he is treating eight young patients with the condition.

BRITTLE BONE DISEASE

Type I, or mild OI, is the most common form. those with this type can live a normal lifespan.

Type II is a severe form that usually leads to death in the first year.

Type III is also called severe OI. Patients have many fractures starting early in life and can have severe bone deformities. Many must use wheelchairs and usually have a shorter life expectancy.

Type IV, or moderately severe OI, is similar to type I, although patients often need braces or crutches to walk. Life expectancy is normal or near normal.

Source: National Institutes of Health

“In terms of genetic diseases, it’s common,” said Dr. Cathy Stevens, pediatric geneticist at T.C. Thompson, who has also treated Patrick.

The affected gene disrupts the body’s production of collagen, which is “the glue that holds us together,” in our bones, blood vessels and other connective tissues, Stevens said.

Although there is no cure, Patrick’s symptoms have been mitigated by interventions, including physical and swimming therapy, which can build bone mass and strengthen bones, his doctors said.

Ho said he advised the Sharrock family to be careful in Disney World.

“Definitely no roller coasters, but he can watch the parades and go on slow-motion rides,” he said.

Contact staff writer Emily Bregel at ebregel@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6467.

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SAN DIEGO — A grand opening celebration was held Thursday as Rady Children’s Hospital opened the doors of its Autism Discovery Institute to the media.The $1 million, nearly 12,000-square foot facility is home to a state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment Center, five classrooms, a sensory motor gym and several viewing rooms where parents can watch their children through a one way mirror. The facility is designed to handle 90 children on an out-patient basis.”We’ve expanded our services so we can serve more families of children with autism. We have inclusion programs so that children with autism can learn to socially interact with their peers. We’re hoping to be a place where families can come as early as they have a concern,” said Aubyn Stahmerl, a research coordinator with the program.The institute will be home to a unique program that mixes children with autism with kids who don’t have developmental disorders.The institute is one of only three facilities in the United States and the only one in California.Niamul Khan has two daughters in the program and he said he’s pleased with their progress.”Both of us work and we don’t have time to give to our daughters. Also in the school environment, they’re getting the other kids so it’s good for socialization,” Khan said.Autism is on the rise across the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year, one in 110 children were diagnosed with autism, a significant increase over previous years where the rate was one in 150.According to the CDC, children with autism handle information in their brain differently than most people, and have symptoms that vary in both nature and severity.The CDC says parents can detect possible autism in their children if they do not respond to their name by the time they are one year old, don’t point at objects to display interest by the time they are 14 months, and not play pretend games by the time they are 18 months old.Other symptoms include avoiding eye contact, wanting to be alone, having delayed speech and language skills, have obsessive interests or give answers unrelated to questions.A reliable diagnosis of autism can be made when a child is 2 years old, according to the CDC.The agency says about one in 110 children are afflicted with what they call Autism Spectrum Disorder, which includes autism, Asberger Syndrome — which does not affect intellectual development, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder — who meet some, but not all, of the criteria for the other conditions. The number of affected children is growing, according to the CDC.

Public release date: 7-Jan-2011 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Julie Sacconesacconej@smh.ca416-573-8358St. Michael’s Hospital

TORONTO, Ont., January 7, 2011 ? People suffering from fatty liver disease may be three times more likely to suffer a stroke than individuals without fatty liver, according to a study by researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital and the London Health Sciences Centre. the study is the first to find a link between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ? a disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver in non drinkers ? and stroke.

In a research letter to the editor in the journal Epidemiology released Thursday, Drs. Joel Ray, Ivan Ying and colleagues explain they found high levels of enzymes known to be markers of liver disease in adults who had an acute stroke. Between 2005 and 2009, they reviewed 103 consecutive adults who had an MRI-proven acute stroke between 2005 and 2009 and compared them to 200 adults with suspected acute stroke, but whose MRI was normal, thereby ruling out acute stroke.

“The risk of stroke in relation to fatty liver disease has never been tested,” Dr. Ray says. “Our study shows a strong link between the two and the possibility in future that currently available blood liver enzyme tests, or novel markers of fatty liver, may be used to predict the risk of stroke and help us better care for and treat at risk patients.”

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition that often has no symptoms or complications. Risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and, especially, insulin resistance.

While the findings are promising, additional research is needed to validate the study’s findings, Dr. Ray said.

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who walk through its doors. the Hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 23 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, and care of the homeless are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research at St. Michael’s Hospital is recognized and put into practice around the world. Founded in 1892, the Hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix stripped a major hospital of its affiliation with the church Tuesday because of a surgery that ended a woman’s pregnancy to save her life.

Bishop Thomas Olmsted called the 2009 procedure an abortion and said St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center — recognized internationally for its neurology and neurosurgery practices — violated ethical and religious directives of the national Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“In the decision to abort, the equal dignity of mother and her baby were not both upheld,” Olmsted said at a news conference announcing the decision. “The mother had a disease that needed to be treated. But instead of treating the disease, St. Joseph’s medical staff and ethics committee decided that the healthy, 11-week-old baby should be directly killed.”

St. Joseph’s does not receive direct funding from the church, but in addition to losing its Catholic endorsement, the 697-bed hospital will no longer be able to celebrate Mass and must remove the Blessed Sacrament from its chapel.

In a statement, St. Joseph’s President Linda Hunt said the hospital will comply with Olmsted’s decision, but she defended its actions.

“If we are presented with a situation in which a pregnancy threatens a woman’s life, our first priority is to save both patients. If that is not possible, we will always save the life we can save, and that is what we did in this case,” Hunt said. “Morally, ethically, and legally, we simply cannot stand by and let someone die whose life we might be able to save.”

The woman is in her 20s had a history of abnormally high blood pressure when she learned of her pregnancy. After she was admitted to the hospital with worsening symptoms, doctors determined her risk of death was nearly 100 percent.

The hospital’s ethics team concluded the pregnancy could be ended under the church’s ethical directives because “the goal was not to end the pregnancy but save the mother’s life,” the hospital said.

Hunt said, “St. Joseph’s will continue through our words and deeds to carry out the healing ministry of Jesus.”

Olmsted’s announcement came after months of talks between the Diocese, the hospital and the hospital’s parent company, Catholic Healthcare West.

“Unfortunately, subsequent communications with leadership at St. Joseph’s and (Catholic Healthcare West) have only eroded my confidence about their commitment to the church’s ethical and religious directives for healthcare,” Olmsted said. “They have not addressed in an adequate manner the scandal caused by the abortion.”

He said he recently learned that Catholic Healthcare West also is responsible for contraceptive counseling, voluntary sterilization, and other practices he said violate the ethical and religious directives.

St. Joseph’s is home to the Barrow Neurological Institute, where musician Bret Michaels was treated after he suffered a brain hemorrhage in April. the institute is home to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.