Campaign '08: How do candidates' health reform plans measure up?

By Nancy Frazier O'Brien - Catholic News Service
Monday, August 18, 2008 - Web Link
Send this news item to a Friend
Sign-up for Daily News Updates

August 15, 2008

The two major presidential candidates agree on at least one thing: health care reform must be a high priority for the next administration. But when it comes to the details, much of the common ground between Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama falls away.

In their 2007 document on political responsibility, "Faithful Citizenship," the U.S. bishops said any efforts to reform the health care system must respect human dignity and protect human life; meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, including pregnant women, unborn children, immigrants and other vulnerable populations; protect the conscience rights of Catholics and Catholic institutions; and provide effective, compassionate care for those with HIV and AIDS.

"All people have a right to health care regardless of where they work, where they come from or how much money they have," said Kathy Saile, director of the Office of Domestic Social Development in the bishops' Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, in a commentary on health care and "Faithful Citizenship."

"Quality health care should be accessible to every person as a part of basic respect for human life and dignity," she added.