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Health Reform
Four elements are key to legislation
by Archbishop Allen Vigneron, Special to The Michigan Catholic
Published March 16, 2010
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Archbishop Allen Vigneron |
My Brothers and Sisters in the Lord:
The reports out of Washington indicate this coming week will be climatic in the ongoing debate over health care reform. In stating their position on this issue, the U.S. bishops have identified four key elements necessary to insist upon in the proposed legislation:
- A truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity. (To be specific, the expansion of health care should not involve the expansion of abortion funding and of polices forcing everyone to pay for abortions. It is very important that the language in the House-passed bill preventing abortion funding, the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, be incorporated in its essential features as a part of any final bill. The provisions on abortion funding in the current un-amended Senate health care bill are seriously deficient and unacceptable.)
- Access for all with a special concern for the poor and inclusion of immigrants.
- Pursuing the common good and preserving pluralism including freedom of conscience and variety of options.
- Restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers.
Cardinal Francis George, president of the USCCB, has challenged Congress to recall and honor President Obama's commitment to the nation last year that health care reform would not become a vehicle for expanding abortion funding or mandates. "The Conference will remain vigilant and involved throughout this entire process," the cardinal states, "to assure that these essential provisions are included in the final legislation."
At this critical juncture, it is vitally important that we, as Christian Catholics, raise our voices regarding the moral case for genuine health care reform that protects the life, dignity, consciences and health of all.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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