Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the hottest issues facing our country at this time.  We must be diligent in our discernment of the facts vs. myths regarding the current health care system and the reforms proposed by new legislation. 

We strongly encourage you to read the following resources for a wealth of information and clarity on the legislation:

• Consumer Health Reports/Prescription for Change
  http://www.prescriptionforchange.org/proposals.html
  
  
• National Catholic Reporter editorial
  http://ncronline.org/news/politics/health-care-debate-poisoned
  
  
• The White House – Health Care page
  http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/

In addition, it’s essential to view the legislation through the lens of the Catholic perspective regarding the respect for human life and the right to health care.  Two good sources of information are:

USCCB Position on Health Care Reform
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/2009-07-17-murphy-letter-congress.pdf

• a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity
• access for all with a special concern for the poor and inclusion of legal 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

Catholic Health Care Association (CHA)

CHA has produced a substantial and thought provoking document envisioning US health care grounded in fundamental core values that pay special attention to the poor and vulnerable.

Read the entire text of CHA’s position entitled: Our Vision for U.S. Health Care
http://www.catholichealthcare.us/NR/rdonlyres/E60430CC-C0FD-4099-A563-A1C621DC83A2/0/OurVisionDoc.pdf

The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) requested all Franciscan religious congregations to draft a Corporate Letter for Health Reform.  Nearly 20% of all Catholic healthcare in the United States is sponsored by Franciscan congregations. Attached here is the letter Sr. Beatrice Hernandez sent on behalf of the Wheaton Franciscans.

Following the LCWR Assembly, August 11-14, 2009, the LCWR president and Board also drafted a brief statement on comprehensive health care reform during the post-assembly board meeting.
Click click http://www.lcwr.org/lcwrsocialjustice/HCR.doc to read the entire text.

SO – now that you know the facts and the Catholic perspective, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

COMMIT TO DO YOUR PART DURING 40 DAYS FOR HEALTH REFORM

Beginning on August 19th, through the following 40 days, people of faith are leading a national campaign for health care reform. While members of Congress were in their home districts, hundreds of prayer vigils and in-district events were occurring. Faithful citizens are encouraged to sign petitions, write congressional representatives and participate in a variety of ways to say the faith community supports health care reform.
Take the Pledge – Join the Call.  Go to:http://faithforhealth.org/

READ – LISTEN – and WATCH for updates, which will be coming from the White House and Congress.  The JPIC office will also be following this very carefully and will post updates to the weekly petition page and the monthly Blog.