Christians and Health Care

As the threat of a crisis in our current health care system looms larger and health care spending continues to increase, the sustainability of our current employer-based health care system comes into question. How can we reform health care and see to it that more people have access to it? Is the hotly-debated health care reform legislation the answer? What is a Christian response to the health care system? The resources on this page provide answers to these important questions.

Radio Free Acton: Perspectives on Health Care Reform, Parts 1 & 2

Listen in as Dr. Donald Condit & Dr. Kevin Schmiesing join Radio Free Acton to discuss the ins and outs of the healthcare system in a special 2-part broadcast. In part one, they cover how the current US healthcare system came into being, the problems associated with it, and the pitfalls of the current healthcare reform proposals in Washington. In part two, they discuss alternative solutions which would result in lower prices and better patient care. Click here to listen and subscribe.

Articles & Commentary

Health Care Rights, and Wrongs by Dr. Donald P. Condit
Dr. Donald Condit says that "those who assert the right to health care and seek greater responsibility for government as the means to that end, are simply wrong. This legislation fails to comport with Catholic social principles."

Health reform threatens voluntary charitable action by Rev. Robert A. Sirico
Rev. Robert A. Sirico looks at the administration’s health care reform initiative and warns of threats to human dignity, a “crowding out” of private initiative in the charitable sector, and a dampening of innovation and competitiveness in the health care industry.

Healthcare and Catholics: True and False Arguments by Samuel Gregg D. Phil
Samuel Gregg points out that “when it comes to how we achieve the good end of healthcare reform -- such as making it more affordable, universal, and ensuring that the most marginalized are protected -- there’s a legitimate diversity of views among Catholics.” But there are non-negotiables which “principally concern any provisions that facilitate or encourage the intentional termination of innocent human life, or which diminish existing conscience exemptions.”

Civilizing Discourse on the Public Option by Jordan J. Ballor
“A marketplace in which private insurance companies compete with non-profit insurance companies already exists,” writes Jordan Ballor.

The Parched Wilderness of Socialized Medicine by Robert A. Sirico
Faith communities should recognize the Religious Left's '40 Days' campaign for what it is: a politically driven effort to expand a bloated state and make Americans evermore dependent on politicians and bureaucrats for healthcare.

Patients and Doctors: Partners not Adversaries by Jordan J. Ballor
Jordan Ballor argues that "restoring trust in the relationship between patient and doctor is critical to health care reform that promotes human flourishing and societal well-being."

Imagine You Are a Doctor by Hunter Baker
"Simply because it is possible that a majority may be found who think this scheme is a good idea," Baker writes, doctors "may lose all the benefits" of offering their services in a free economy.

Healthcare, Democracy, and Freedom by Hunter Baker
While there are many practical and prudential considerations that come up when dealing with the issue of government health care, Hunter Baker reminds us that there are certain core values which should be evaluated first.

Veterans First on Health Care by Ray Nothstine
The health care reform debate has focused on expanding coverage to all Americans. But how is the government meeting its existing obligations to military veterans?

Patients' Choice Act -- A Better Prescription by Dr. Donald P. Condit
Dr. Donald Condit looks at a new federal proposal called the Patients' Choice Act, which promises more freedom in choosing health care insurance.

Should Business Be Responsible for Employee Health Care? by Dr. Donald P. Condit
Companies with sufficient competitive advantage may be able to provide these benefits to attract and retain employees. However, firms should not be compelled to provide medical benefits. In fact, the common good may be better served when health care insurance is obtained outside the workplace.

A Second Opinion on Employer Responsibility for Heath Care by Dr. Donald P. Condit
"The iniquitous government subsidy for employer-based health care could be redirected to help those without access to affordable health care, by virtue of poverty or chronic disease."

'If you are really sick, call 911' by Dr. Donald P. Condit
Modern medicine is increasingly a matter of price controls, and any scheme of "universal" health coverage would only intensify that trend.

What's the Matter with Socialized Medicine? by Dr. Donald P. Condit
"The common good would be better served by market oriented reforms for elective and extraordinary health care coupled with compassionate subsidization for the needy, rather than socialized medicine," writes Dr. Donald Condit.

What's Wacko about Sicko by Dr. Donald P. Condit
Moore's plan would result in worse, not better, health outcomes for Americans -- including the poor and underserved.