Health Care Debate, Part 2

Yesterday I shared my thoughts and stories about nationalized health care. So, you might ask, what is the United Methodist Church's position? Well I'm glad you asked. This is from the social principles in the Book of Discipline ¶162.V:

"Right to Health Care — Health is a condition of physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. John 10:10b says, 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.' Stewardship of health is the responsibility of each person to whom health has been entrusted. Creating the personal, environmental, and social conditions in which health can thrive is a joint responsibility — public and private. We encourage individuals to pursue a healthy lifestyle and affirm the importance of preventative health care, health education, environmental and occupational safety, good nutrition and secure housing in achieving health. Health care is a basic human right. (emphasis mine)

Providing health care needed to maintain health, prevent disease, and restore health after injury or illness is a responsibility each person owes others and government owes to all, a responsibility government ignores at its peril. In Ezekiel 34:4a, God points out the failures of the leadership of Israel to care for the weak: 'You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured.' As a result all suffer. Like police and fire protection, health care is best funded through the government's ability to tax each person equitably and directly fund the provider entities. Countries facing a public health crisis such as HIV/AIDS must have access to generic medicines and to patented medicines. We affirm the right of men and women to have access to comprehensive reproductive health/family planning information and services that will serve as a means to prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce abortions, and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The right to health care includes care for persons with brain diseases, neurological conditions, or physical disabilities, who must be afforded the same access to health care as all other persons in our communities. It is unjust to construct or perpetuate barriers to physical or mental wholeness or full participation in community.

We believe it is a governmental responsibility to provide all citizens with health care."

In addition, a resolution in the 2008 Book of Resolutions, says "The United Methodist Church is committed to health care for all in the United States and therefore advocates for a comprehensive health care delivery system that includes access for all, quality care, and effective management of costs." (p. 352). In order to see health care available for all, the resolution calls for the implementation of a single payer system. (p 354). This particular resolution was first adopted in 2000 and has been reaffirmed each quadrennium since then.