CATHOLIC BISHOPS ISSUE LETTER TO CONGRESS

The American Bishops have sent a letter to Congress outlining their objections to the current health control bill. It is refreshing to see them refer to health care that is affordable, not free and emphasizing that benefits should only apply to legal immigrants. This is a far cry from some of the "social justice" claptrap that other Bishops have been espousing. At least this letter is in line with the teachings of the Church.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

October 8, 2009

United States Senate United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20515

Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), we are writing to express our
disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform that we have
conveyed previously to Congress. In fact, the Senate Finance Committee rejected a conscience rights amendment
accepted earlier by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. If final legislation does not meet our principles,
we will have no choice but to oppose the bill. We remain committed to working with the Administration,
Congressional leadership, and our allies to produce final health reform legislation that will reflect our principles.

We continue to urge you to

1. Exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding
and in favor of conscience rights. No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion. It is
essential that the legislation clearly apply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal
restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of conscience. No current bill
meets this test.

2. Adopt measures that protect and improve people’s health care. Reform should make quality health care
affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable and those who live at or near
the poverty level.

3. Include effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants, their children and all of society. Ensure
that legal immigrants and their family members have comprehensive, affordable, and timely access to
health care coverage. Maintain an adequate safety net for those who remain uncovered.

We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria. However, we remain apprehensive when
amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in
committee votes. If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill
vigorously. Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human
life and dignity. Much-needed reform of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and
dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to
remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all.

Sincerely,
Bishop William F. Murphy
Diocese of Rockville Centre
Chairman
Committee on Domestic Justice
& Human Development

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Chairman
Committee on Pro-Life
Activities

Bishop John Wester
Diocese of Salt Lake City
Chairman
Committee on Migration

USCCB