Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect new information provided by Mercy Health. 

Mercy Health affirms its stance on performing medically necessary abortions at its hospitals.

The Catholic health system, which operates in Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, and Kentucky, announced its continued support of doctors who conduct medically necessary abortions.

Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned in the U.S. Supreme Court and less than one year since Ohioians voted to enshrine reproductive rights, Bon Secours Mercy Health will continue providing abortions that are medically necessary to save the life of a mother. The health system does not support or perform elective abortions. 

The decision contrasts the position of other Catholic and religious-based health systems that prohibit abortion procedures, regardless of the circumstances.

Mercy Health's communications team told 21 News the health system "has supported our clinicians’ sound medical judgment and decision making since our inception." The health system affirms it will back its clinicians who deem an abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother. 

Bon Secours said it will back its doctors and staff who decide to conduct a medically necessary abortion.

"And even now, we continue to see patients traveling great lengths both within Ohio and between states just to find basic healthcare," explained Catherine Romanos, M.D. & Family Medicine Physician during an Ohio press conference denouncing support for Bernie Moreno as he runs for a spot in the U.S. Senate. 

State Issue 1 passed 57-43% last November in Ohio. 

Mercy Health's statement to 21 News:

"Our health system, like many other national health systems, spans multiple states and adheres to the applicable laws in each where we operate. While the legislative environment is complex, our Mission compels us to provide compassionate care for all. In emergent patient care situations, when providers and medical teams prioritize patient care and follow hospital policies and medical standards of care in good faith, they can expect the support of Bon Secours Mercy Health. We adhere to EMTALA requirements and support physician compliance with EMTALA. We also thank our clinicians and medical teams for their ongoing commitment to excellent and compassionate patient care." -Jennifer Robinson, Public Relations & Communications Manager for Mercy Health
 

"Ohio's known around the country and the world as the state that chased a 10-year-old girl out of state," explained Arthur Lavin, Director of Doctors Organized for HealthCare Solution. "Fleeing to find care that was prohibited in Ohio." 

St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital holds Mercy Health's maternity ward.