"Several months ago, the leadership of the Sinsinawa Dominicans was informed that Sister Donna Quinn, OP, acted as a volunteer escort at a Chicago area clinic that among other procedures, performs abortions," according to a statement released Tuesday by the Wisconsin-based religious community.

"After investigating the allegation, Congregation leaders have informed Sr. Donna that her actions are in violation of her profession as a Dominican religious. They regret that her actions have created controversy and resulted in public scandal."

Quinn could not immediately be reached by ChicagoCatholicNews for comment. But she indicated to the Chicago Tribune that she would stop volunteering as a clinic escort.

"I want to be clear that this is my decision," she said. "Respect for women's moral agency is of critical importance to me, and I look forward to continuing to dialogue with our congregation on these matters as a way of informing my actions as well as educating the community."

What all this ultimately means for the controversial nun -- who for years has been involved in feminist and social justice causes -- is uncertain. The prioress of the Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sister Patricia Mulcahey, declined further comment.