New University of Texas medical school under scrutiny over agreement with Catholic group

AUSTIN, TX -- As the University of Texas prepares to open its medical school in Austin in 2016, it is discovering the delicate nature of crafting agreements between public university and the religiously-affiliated health care provider who will run it.

At the new medical school, most of the faculty and new doctors they train will be employees of Seton Healthcare Family, the largest health care system in Central Texas. As such, they will be required to follow the Catholic Ethical and Religious Directives, which include rules concerning birth control, abortion and end-of-life care.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the joining of the two institutions is under scrutiny.

Americans United for Separation of Church and State sent a letter to both last month saying their agreement was unconstitutional.

Take ABC13 with you!
Download our free apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices

Get more State »

texas, state

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•