Clarification Regarding Recent Media Coverage
Villa Therese Catholic Clinic is committed to serving the most vulnerable with compassion and fidelity to Catholic teaching. We are sharing a message from our Board Chair and Executive Director to clarify recent media coverage and reaffirm our mission.
Dear Friends of Villa Therese,
We are writing in response to concerns raised by donors and members of the clergy following a recent newspaper article in the Santa Fe New Mexican describing Villa Therese Catholic Clinic’s relationship with Comunidad de Colores.
Villa Therese Catholic Clinic has always operated—and will continue to operate—in full fidelity to Catholic moral teaching and the Catholic health care ethical guidelines. We do not provide, promote, or refer for abortion, gender-affirming interventions, contraception, needle exchange, or any other services inconsistent with Catholic teaching. This commitment is foundational to our mission and is non-negotiable.
The recent article understandably caused concern. While it accurately described certain limited interactions, we regret that it created confusion and conveyed an impression of association or alignment that does not reflect who we are or how we operate. For that lack of clarity, we sincerely apologize.
To be clear, Villa Therese is not in partnership with Comunidad de Colores, does not endorse their services or advocacy, and does not refer patients to them.
Villa Therese welcomes volunteer clinicians of diverse personal views who are committed to providing compassionate primary care within the Clinic’s mission, scope of services, and adherence to the Ethical and Religious Directives. To preserve mission clarity and avoid public confusion, the Clinic does not enter into volunteer or collaborative arrangements with clinicians whose current professional role or organizational leadership is publicly identified with the provision, promotion, or advocacy of services inconsistent with Catholic moral teaching. This policy addresses professional roles and public advocacy—not personal beliefs. Accordingly, Villa Therese has discontinued volunteer service and appointment scheduling with volunteers affiliated with Comunidad de Colores.
The Board recognizes that clarity, trust, and fidelity to our Catholic mission are essential, particularly for those who support Villa Therese because of its faith-based identity. We are addressing this matter with urgency and care, and our actions reflect our commitment to safeguarding the moral and spiritual foundation of the Clinic.
We are deeply grateful for your support, your candor, and your vigilance. Please know that protecting the integrity of Villa Therese Catholic Clinic remains central to every decision we make.
If you have further questions, concerns, or are interested in further steps we have taken internally to tighten governance, internal policies, external partnership management, or media relations, please feel free to contact Mark McDonald directly at (505) 983-8561.
With gratitude and respect for the mission we are entrusted to serve,
William Bernahl, Chair, Board of Directors
Mark McDonald, Executive Director
