The value of dialogue is that, hopefully, in time, we can forge policies that will offer the greatest protection for the weakest members of our society. May the dialogue change hearts, opening us to the value of all human life and the desire that all have the goods to which we ourselves may have access, whether they be the poor or the unborn.
President Barack Obama, speaking to a Joint Session of Congress on Wednesday, September 9, sent a clear message that basic health care is a right, not a privilege, a position also held by the U.S. bishops.
Universal access to affordable health care and a respect for all life from conception to natural death are the two essential principles put forth by the bishops in their July letter to Congress on health care reform.
In laying out the details of his plan, Obama directly addressed two of the main concerns of the U.S. Catholic bishops: “And one more misunderstanding I want to clear up – under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place.”
Of the plan he is proposing, he says, “It will provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance. It will provide insurance to those who don’t. And it will slow the growth of health care costs for our families, our businesses, and our government. It’s a plan that asks everyone to take responsibility for meeting this challenge – not just government and insurance companies, but employers and individuals.”
via Catholic News | Obama Sends Clear Message to Congress on Health Care | American Catholic.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued this response to the president’s speech, saying: “Health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and urgent national priority. We welcome the President’s speech as an important contribution to this essential national debate and task.”
Filed under: health care reform Tagged: | Health care, Obama, speech to Congress
