The debate on health care reform is heating up, and the Catholic Church is asking everyone to stand up and be counted!

The Catholic Church has always advocated that health care reform should be truly universal and genuinely affordable. But we will resist any attempt to remove protections in place that honor freedom of conscience and prevent federal funding of abortion.

As Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, said loud and clear at our annual convention last week:

“A health care system designed to save lives on the one hand must not become a vehicle for taking lives through abortion and euthanasia. Health care reform must be abortion-free.” (read more)

Here’s an update on the current bills before the United States Congress, courtesy of the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA). There are three main health care reform bills: one in the House of Representatives, and two in the Senate:

House: On July 17, the Committees on Education and Labor and on Ways and Means favorably reported the “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act” (H.R. 3200), after rejecting amendments to exclude mandated coverage of abortion. On July 31, the Committee on Energy and Commerce favorably reported a bill that was amended to address some pro-life concerns, but still provides for federally mandated abortion coverage.

Senate: On July 15, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted out its bill, the “Affordable Health Choices Act” (not yet numbered). During markup the committee rejected amendments to exclude federal funding or mandated coverage for abortion and to maintain current state laws limiting and regulating abortion. The Senate Finance Committee continues to work on a bill that it hopes will be able to secure bipartisan support.

On August 11, His Eminence, Cardinal Justin Rigali, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, send a powerful letter to Members of Congress:

“Much-needed reform must not become a vehicle for promoting an ‘abortion rights’ agenda or reversing longstanding policies against federal funding and mandated coverage of abortion. No federal program mandates coverage for elective abortions, or subsidizes health plans that include such abortions. Most Americans do not want abortion in their health coverage, and most consider themselves ‘pro-life,’ with a stronger majority among low-income Americans. By what right, then, and by what precedent, would Congress make abortion coverage into a nationwide norm, or force Americans to subsidize it as a condition for participating in a public health program?”  (read more)

This much is certain: our voices are needed NOW, especially during this month when Members of Congress are home, to send a message loud and clear, before any more votes are held in the fall:

“A fair and just health care reform bill must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and uphold longstanding laws that restrict abortion funding and protect conscience rights.”

Catholics in the Diocese of Bridgeport can find contact information for their U.S. Senators and Representatives online. Everyone else can consult the NCHLA website. 

Thank you for upholding the dignity of life. God bless you.

The U.S. Catholic Bishops have launched a new website on Health Care Reform, Our Position, and Concerns. This is an excellent resource and I recommend that your visit it often: click here.