Nun Demoted After Making Life Saving Decision

Arizona: A Catholic nun and long-time administrator at St Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix has been demoted because she had been part of a team that decided to end the pregnancy of a critically ill patient.

Sister Margaret McBride, the highest-ranking member of the Sisters of Mercy at the hospital – was “automatically excommunicated”. The actions followed a last-minute, life-or-death drama in late 2009. The patient had a rare and often fatal condition in which a pregnancy can cause the death of the mother. McBride was part of a group of people, including the patient and doctors, who decided upon the course of action.

Read More: St Joseph’s Hospital

The Catholic Church forbids abortion in all circumstances.