Bishops Chime In for Health Reform

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is offering strong support for health care reform. They have established a health care website that you can see here. On the site the bishops state their position on reform:

• a truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity
• access for all with a special concern for the poor and inclusion of legal immigrants
• pursuing the common good and preserving pluralism including freedom of conscience and variety of options
• restraining costs and applying them equitably across the spectrum of payers

These principles were included in a letter to all senators and representatives dated July 17. In their letter they take on the thorny issue of abortion. They argue that reform should be "abortion neutral," by which they mean that the established status quo is maintained--no federal funds will be used to provide abortions and no health care providers will be forced to provide abortion services against their will. The letter is available here.

Thanks to Heather Maddox for this story lead.