The second and third largest hospital systems in New York's Capital Region are in negotiations to merge. One of them is governed by the ethical directives of the Catholic Church. The other is a secular system that operates the region's only inpatient healthcare facility dedicated entirely to women. Critics are fearful that if a merger goes through, it would deprive an already medically underserved community of reproductive care options, including abortion. 

On this episode of "The Eagle," health reporter Rachel Silberstein discusses the implications of a merger between St. Peter's Health Partners and Ellis Medicine.

Also on this episode, Times Union Editor Casey Seiler goes over the results of the state's second primary election of the year, and new arts and entertainment reporter Katie Kiessling talks about her first impressions of the Capital Region scene.

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