Shutting down Catholic Hospitals?

News from Victoria, Australia is that Archbishop Dennis Hart is threatening to close down the emergency rooms and maternity wards of 15 Catholic hospitals if a controversial abortion bill is passed by state government.

One third of Victoria's births occur at these Catholic hospitals, so closing those maternity wards would make a significant impact. More immediate would be the troubles ensuing from closure of the emergency departments.

This move by the Archbishop is causing reconsideration of the abortion legislation which would coerce participation by health care providers in abortion practices.

One wonders how many of the U.S. Bishops would stand up in a similar manner to this kind of legislation.