The Archdiocese of New York has a special relationship with New York Medical College in Westchester County, New York. This came about when the late Cardinal Cooke, using the credit base of the Archdiocese, bailed out the financially troubled medical school. Cardinal Cooke, who because of his exemplary life is currently being considered for sainthood, did this to ensure a continued catholic Christian presence in the medical profession. The late Cardinal foresaw with stunning clarity the current ethical challenges that technological advances in biology and genetics have wrought. Unfortunately, Cardinal Cooke's successors have failed to live up to his vision.
Today there are doctors who teach at the college and perform abortions elsewhere.
Likewise, there are doctors who have privileges in Catholic hospitals throughout the Archdiocese who also perform abortions elsewhere. When questioned about this practice, the late Cardinal O'Connor said that he couldn't do anything about it because abortion was legal. This is simply not accurate. No employer is required to hire somebody whose private life conflicts with the employers policy. President Bush plans to use faith based organizations to distribute federal funds to help cure social problems.