Community Hospital Health Services Foundation (CHF) provides inpatient reproductive health services that have been determined to violate provisions of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. CHF serves both men and women with the following hospital-based services.

• Sterilizations (tubal ligations and vasectomies) secondary to another inpatient procedure such as a vaginal birth, cesarean section birth, gynecological surgery, hernia or other abdominal surgery

• Primary sterilizations for high risk patients, both men and women, whose physician identifies them at risk for complications due to a health condition

• Contraception after a birth

CHF is prohibited from doing outpatient primary sterilizations at Springfield Regional Medical Center, East High Street campus. Currently, outpatient tubal ligations are performed at the Springfield Surgery Center, 2685 East High Street. In addition, CHF does not provide abortions or participate in euthanasia.

It is contemplated that, in the future, CHF may provide, or partner with others to provide, any number of health services that may not be able to be performed in a community hospital with a Catholic presence. These services may include treatments related to stem cell or gene technologies, end-of-life care, fertility and other reproductive therapies not currently available in Springfield. As the community-based voice on health care, CHF will evaluate the needs and desires of the community, availability of resources, efficacy of the proposed treatment, ability of Community Mercy Health Partners to provide the service, and opportunities for partnering in order to determine the appropriateness of investing in additional healthcare services.

For reports on the utilization of CHF services since 2004, click here.