Now More Than Ever

Marge Mattice, MSN, ACNP-BC, CWON

I work as a nurse practitioner in an acute care facility. Within the scope of my practice, I may order diagnostics and testing, and have prescriptive authority. Practicing at this level provides daily opportunity to witness the disparities that exist between Catholic social teaching and healthcare as it exists, as a system needing change so that it might better serve the common good.

The media lately has become increasingly replete with coverage of the healthcare reform debate. A subtle polarization seems to be taking shape; either you want health care reform at the cost of being accused of being pro-abortion, pro-euthanasia, and pro-assisted suicide, or you reject the idea of healthcare reform, making you “pro-life”. Unfortunately, those who lament the expense of “fixing” healthcare don’t seem to realize the cost of doing nothing. A multitude of proposals makes clarity about which directions reforms should take nearly impossible. But there is clarity regarding Church teaching and what underpinnings must be the foundation of any reform.

I would like to suggest that there is the possibility of collaboration with elected officials without compromising a stance that is truly pro-life, respecting the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. A healthcare system reflective of the “seamless garment” understanding of life is possible.

The Catholic faith has a wealth of tradition regarding social justice; this core of Gospel values is precisely that which needs to be brought to the discussion table when healthcare reform is the topic. Catholics, by virtue of their Baptismal commitment, are obligated to espouse these values and make their voice heard in this discussion of healthcare reform. It is incumbent upon us to act, informed by our beliefs.

The Catholic Health Association of the United States clearly identifies these tenets for discussion, which are reflective of Gospel values. They include:

Healthcare should be available and accessible to everyone, with special care for the poor and vulnerable. Lack of accessibility and affordability creates a gap which marginalizes the vulnerable.
Healthcare should be focused on promotion of health with prevention as key. What isn’t covered today to prevent illness costs more to care for tomorrow.
Healthcare should be sufficiently and fairly financed. The cost should be fairly borne by all stakeholders, and have a sustainable foundation. Hospital administrators, healthcare providers, insurance companies, drug companies, medical supply companies, economists, community and public health officials, and faith traditions are all crucial at the discussion table.
Healthcare should be transparent, and consensus driven in allocation of resources, and be cost-effective in care provided and its administration. Care should be taken to ensure affordability and accessibility. Duplication of services ultimately ends up dramatically escalating the cost of health care without benefit to the individual or community.
Healthcare should be patient-centered, and address health care needs at all stages of life, from conception to natural death. The involvement of public and private sectors, volunteer, religious and not -for-profit-organizations should be encouraged. Pluralism should respect the religious and ethical values of both patients and healthcare providers.
Healthcare should be safe, effective, and designed to deliver the greatest possible quality. Healthcare providers and medicine must continue to take responsibility for optimized patient outcomes.

This vision of healthcare understands the key concept that healthy individuals equal a healthy community, where healthcare is not a commodity for purchase by those who can afford it, but is a basic human right. Resources are finite, thereby demanding wise choices in their allocation. With so much at stake, affordable healthcare has become one of the definitive civil rights issues of our time. This ensuing discussion will reveal the truth of our moral fiber. All people of all faiths are called to respond, now more than ever.

August 5, 2009