MercyOne affirms its commitment to Catholic moral teaching

April 18, 2025

MercyOne withdrew a legal motion Friday that caused confusion and concern. The hospital's President and CEO Bob Ritz said MercyOne holds true to its Catholic identity and mission.

“Let me begin by saying this: We are heartbroken that our belief that human personhood begins at conception would ever be called into question. As a Catholic health system, the sanctity of life is not just a belief we hold - it is the foundation of every action we take,” he said.

"The sanctity of life is not just a belief we hold - it is the foundation of every action we take," he said in a statement posted to the hospital's website. "That is why we have asked our counsel to withdraw the motion with respect to MercyOne. No courtroom argument should ever cast doubt on the deeply held Catholic values that guide MercyOne." 

He added: "We are more than a health system. We are a health ministry. Our commitment to respect the dignity of every human life, from the very beginning, is unwavering. And it will continue to guide us in everything we do."

Bishop William Joensen shared the following, also on Friday, "I am edified that MercyOne leadership has subsequently withdrawn the hospital’s name from the legal brief at issue, and has strongly reiterated MercyOne’s commitment to Catholic moral teaching founded on the respect for the inestimable dignity of all human persons from the moment of conception."

The Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that the legal motion had been withdrawn.