For the most part, the University of Wisconsin is a very respectable institution.

While standing as one of the most prestigious universities in the country — even set by one ranking as 17th in the world — it conducts world-class research ranging from agricultural technology to artificial hearts. Its hospitals constantly strive to remain at the cusp of cutting-edge research as well. For this reason, it is hardly surprising that UW Hospital has landed itself in the headlines for a controversial move. What is surprising, however, is what that move was.

Information recently leaked to the public indicated UW is considering performing second-trimester abortions. As demonstrated by Saturday’s Pro-Life demonstration, abortion is a very hot issue in the traditionally liberal-leaning Madison. The subject of second-trimester abortion, however, is far more controversial.

The second trimester of pregnancy, which extends from weeks 13 through 27, is a period in which the fetus develops extensively and rapidly. As a result, an abortion during this period is a much more invasive and complicated procedure. Most abortion clinics, including Planned Parenthood, will perform the procedure up to the 19th week of pregnancy. The controversial proposal being considered by UW Hospital would allow the procedure at 22 weeks.

The disturbing part of UW’s proposed change in policy is not the policy itself but the way they have gone about making the change.

The Associated Press uncovered evidence that the university and hospital intended to keep the proposed changes from both their staff and the public, even though the introduction of the controversial policy could compromise staff decisions to remain at the hospital. Additionally, documents and e-mails were found implying the university planned to profit from the later-term abortions — as in making a significant policy change to perform a dangerous and distressing procedure in order to make money.

Under the open records law, The Associated Press obtained a detailed PowerPoint presentation promoting the plan that was developed by UW doctors. One of the slides, titled “Benefits,” has “increased departmental revenue” at the top of the list.

Aside from being unethical from a business standpoint, the idea of such a thought is downright revolting. Although I hope for the sake of the university and everyone associated with it that these allegations are untrue, they are very serious and should absolutely not be dismissed. The university is large and old enough to know how to handle such delicate situations and that covering them up is not an option. Any whiff of a controversy could jeopardize more than their proposed change in policy.

According to WLUK-TV, Lisa Burnette, a spokesperson for UW Health, claims the slide does not refer to the Wisconsin proposal at all and has not been seen by doctors. Instead, she says, it was taken from an abortion rights center at University of California, San Francisco, and refers to medical departments that generally provide abortions. While this is a convenient excuse, it seems to be just that — an excuse. Why would a slideshow promoting the new plan, with a UW logo at the top nonetheless, be detailing profit benefits for the University of California? Something isn’t right here.

This isn’t an issue of whether abortion is right or wrong — as the law currently stands, abortion is a legal medical procedure, and as long as this law stands, UW Hospital is operating fully within their rights to perform this procedure. But if these allegations are even remotely true, if top hospital officials discussed this change as a way of increasing revenue, then the UW health system needs more than a slap on the wrist and a serious reconsideration of the Hippocratic Oath.

Brunette says that under the UW plan, about 100 abortions would be performed per year on patients who would often be young, poor and in desperate situations — some would even be victims of rape or incest. If this is true, then the university would very likely be helping many people who have nowhere else to turn. But if the allegations turns out to be true — and I would hope that investigation is taken forward swiftly and intently — a move for profit hiding under such a righteous guise would be a dishearteningly morbid indicator of the university’s intentions.

Beyond it all, I am bothered by the fact that my university would knowingly keep this information from its staff as well as its supportive public. So, until these allegations are further investigated, the UW should think twice before keeping things under wraps.

Laura Brennan ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in communicative disorders.