Catholic Medical Association: Healthcare reform proposals would make system ‘even worse’

July 30, 2009

The Catholic Medical Association, which supports “healthcare reform that increases access and quality,” is warning that “existing legislation in the House and Senate-- combined with President Obama’s push for hasty action-- could make our current, flawed system even worse.”

“The CMA is particularly concerned about two significant ethical issues (1) respect for the conscience rights of health-care providers; and (2) a mandate to finance and provide abortion,” the statement continued. “Unprecedented powers are entrusted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (as evidenced by over 1,120 references to the ‘Secretary’ and his/her powers in the House bill) and to a new authority-- the ‘Health Choices Commissioner.’ Moreover, a Federal Coordinating Council on Comparative Effectiveness was created and funded, without adequate debate, by the Stimulus Bill; and there are valid concerns that the FCCCE could soon start regulating medical treatments based not only on clinical, but also ‘economic’ criteria.”

 

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Further information:

• Statement on Health Care Reform (Catholic Medical Association)