Springfield, Mo., Sep 22, 2009 / 02:28 am
Health care reform must be based in the recognition of the basic dignity of every person, Bishop James V. Johnston of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri told his flock. It must also safeguard human life while creating “very clear” conscience protections for individuals and institutions.
Writing in a September 4 column, Bishop Johnston said Catholics should understand the principles at the heart of the “delicate work” of health care reform.
“The provision of health care is rooted in our recognition of the basic dignity of every human person, made in God’s image,” the bishop wrote, noting the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s teaching that society must help provide health care.
Bishop Johnston also noted Catholics’ centuries-long work in health care, adding that one in six hospital beds in the U.S. today are in a Catholic hospital.
“Each person should have access to basic, affordable, adequate health care. This is a goal that should be supported by our nation. However, the goal becomes more complex because there is a variety of opinion as to what ‘basic, affordable, and adequate’ means,” he continued.