U. may cut off abortion advice

and DREW ZOLLER The recent Supreme Court case restricting abortion counseling is "a major concern" to the University, according to Medical Center officials. It will effectively force the University to choose between some of the federal funding it receives and the ability to legally provide abortion counseling. The recent Supreme Court decision on Rust v. Sullivan prohibits a facility which receives Title X federal funds from counseling, referring or discussing abortion with its clients. "The funds provide comprehensive care," said FPCSP spokesperson Susan Grambs last week. "It includes 'options counseling,' pregnancy counseling, Pap smears and counseling on the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases." Supreme Court spokesperson Kathy Arberg said last week that the University has until June 17 to decide and implement its policy on whether to continue to allow abortion to be discussed in the Medical Center's clinics. According to Grambs, the Medical Center is currently a key player in pregnancy options counseling in Philadelphia. "The loss of any organization would hurt the women of Philadelphia," Grambs said. "The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania family planning clinic provides a vital health service." Carol Tracey, director of the Women's Law Project, said last week that the ruling allows abortion discussion, counseling or referals only in organizations that are physically and financially seperate from any organization that receives Title X grants. Several University officials said last week that while the aspects of the counseling services that the Medical Center provides are in jeopardy, Student Health Services' health education section will not be effected. "Student Health [Services] is not a part of the Medical Center, it reports to the Provost," said Elizabeth Berryman, staff counsel for the Medical Center. Berryman explained that Student Health doesn't receive any Title X grants and she doubted that it would be effected. Berryman added that the final decision will be made through the obstetrics and gynocology department, on advice from the Medical Center's legal counsel. Student Health Director Marjeanne Collins agreed, saying that she does not "anticipate the decision to directly effect us. Our funding comes from the Vice Provost for University Life." "[Student Health is] a free standing clinic," said Susan Villari, SHS's director of health education. Student Health is "part of the University, not part of the hospital," she said.

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