The new hospital may not be able to perform abortions, and they may lose key staff over the issue.

The merger of Abington Memorial Hospital and Holy Redeemer Health Systems has gotten potential patients up at arms. Now we are learning that staff at the Hospital are just as angry.

Via Philly.com:

“I am extremely, extremely upset about this,” says Abington obstetrician Sherry Blumenthal. “No one in our department was consulted. This decision reduces our commitment to health care for women.” Blumenthal is contemplating severing her 22-year relationship with Abington, and says she’s not alone. “I know of at least 10 physicians who are considering leaving.” Abington performed 64 abortions last year, 69 in 2010, many of which were for women at high risk, where their pregnancy seriously compromised their health. Sex. Abortion. Parenthood. Power. The latest news, delivered straight to your inbox. SUBSCRIBE

We’ve learned in the past that what passes for abortion to preserve the health of the mother is vastly different in Catholic hospitals, where one nun was excommunicated and demoted for approving an abortion for a mother suffering from a serious condition being complicated by her pregnancy.