Zeeland, Holland hospitals say Roe v. Wade decision will not affect care offered to patients

Mitchell Boatman, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital
Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital

OTTAWA COUNTY — The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will not have an immediate effect on hospital operations in Holland and Zeeland, according to statements from the health centers.

BHSH, the name for the merged Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health, stated it will continue to its previous practices after a series of mixed messages over the weekend. The system includes Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital.

Holland Hospital stated in an email to The Sentinel that hospital operations will not be affected because the hospital “does not perform elective abortion procedures.”

Holland Hospital stated in an email to The Sentinel that hospital operations will not be affected by the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade because the hospital “does not perform elective abortion procedures.”
Holland Hospital stated in an email to The Sentinel that hospital operations will not be affected by the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade because the hospital “does not perform elective abortion procedures.”

Following Friday’s ruling, BHSH sent an email to staff, obtained by the Detroit Free Press, that said the system would revert to following Michigan’s 1931 law — currently unenforceable due to a judge’s preliminary injunction — and only allow pregnancy termination when necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant person.

More: Supreme Court decision on abortion sparks protests in Grand Rapids

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However, the system reversed course Saturday and stated it will continue with its previous practice of providing abortions when medically necessary.

“After extensive evaluation and in-depth discussion, and always using compassion as our guide, we have evolved our approach,” BHSH said in a statement. “We continue to believe that these decisions are both personal and private and best made between a woman and her physician.

“We have not and will not perform elective abortions. We continue to provide care for women’s health, including reproductive needs. We will support our physicians and patients through a multidisciplinary, local committee as they navigate this challenging landscape.”

BHSH, the state’s largest health system, also called on the state to provide clarity surrounding the 1931 law.

“At present, the current legal landscape regarding abortion in our state is unclear and uncertain,” the system stated. “We are aware of the 1931 Michigan law. However, given the uncertainties and confusion surrounding its enforcement, until there is clarity, we will continue our practice of providing abortions when medically necessary.

“We urge Michigan courts to bring clarity as quickly as possible.”

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch. 

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland, Holland hospitals say operations not affected by Supreme Court ruling