Loyola Chicago Offers Abortion Coverage in Student Health Plan

Catholic university's student insurance includes "abortion care services" despite Jesuit identity and church teachings.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit institution, continues to offer "abortion care services" to students through its student health insurance plan, despite the Catholic church's teachings against abortion. The 2025-2026 UnitedHealthcare Student Health Insurance Plan Certificate of Coverage for Loyola features the university's logo and the Jesuit motto, but states that "benefits include abortion care services" as well as coverage for "voluntary sterilization procedures" and contraceptive services.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between the Catholic church's stance against abortion and the policies of some Catholic universities that provide coverage for abortion-related services in their student health plans. It raises questions about how religious institutions navigate these complex moral and ethical issues.

The details

Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit institution, has reportedly included language in its student health insurance plans for at least the past four years stating that "benefits include abortion care services." The 2025-2026 plan certificate also covers "voluntary sterilization procedures" and a range of contraceptive services, despite the Catholic church's teachings against these practices.

  • Loyola University Chicago has offered abortion coverage in its student health plans for at least the past four years.
  • The 2025-2026 UnitedHealthcare Student Health Insurance Plan Certificate of Coverage for Loyola was recently released.

The players

Loyola University Chicago

A Jesuit Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois.

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has recently denounced abortion, stating that the Holy See "expresses deep concern about projects aimed at financing cross-border mobility for the purpose of accessing the so-called 'right to safe abortion.'

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What they’re saying

“In light of this profound vision of life as a gift to be cherished, and of the family as its responsible guardian, we categorically reject any practice that denies or exploits the origin of life and its development.”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

It is unclear if Loyola University Chicago plans to address the discrepancy between its student health plan coverage and the Catholic church's teachings on abortion.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate within Catholic institutions about how to reconcile their religious beliefs with the healthcare needs and rights of their students, raising questions about the role of faith-based organizations in providing comprehensive healthcare coverage.