The beginning of health care

Whatever the parameters of the health care debate shape up to be, the US bishops have reminded legislators of its logical and fundamental premise: human beings worthy of care cannot also be singled out for extermination.

That should be beyond question, but it’s a rhetorical minefield.

On May 20, 2009 the U.S. Catholic Bishops, through Bishop William F. Murphy, the Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, placed the following statement in the Congressional Record at a formal roundtable discussion on “Expanding Health Care Coverage”:

“…The Catholic bishops of the United States have been and continue to be consistent advocates for comprehensive health care reform leading to accessible and affordable health care for all…

“While we support reforming our nation’s health care system, we must also be clear in strongly opposing inclusion of abortion as part of a national health care benefit. For decades, Congress has decided not to compel people to pay for abortions with their tax dollars, and this policy should remain in place. We also oppose inclusion of other procedures or technologies that attack or undermine the sanctity and dignity of life. No health care reform plan should compel us or others to pay for or participate in the destruction of human life. To preserve this principle is morally right and politically wise as well. No health care legislation that compels Americans to pay for or participate in abortion will find sufficient votes to pass.”

The bishops spell out the details of a comprehensive plan they see as fair and just and necessary.

At bottom:

“Health care is a social good, and accessible and affordable health care for all benefits both individuals and the society as a whole. The moral measure of any health care reform proposal is whether it offers affordable and accessible health care to all, beginning with those most in need. This can be a matter of life or death, of dignity or deprivation.

“USCCB looks forward to working with you to reform health care in a manner that offers accessible, affordable and quality health care that affirms the life and dignity of all people. This is a most important national priority. Please be assured of our prayers for you and for the success of genuine health care reform that protects the life and dignity of all people.”