The Torch, Spring/Summer 2010

6 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2010 BRUNO BUDROVIC | GETTY IMAGES Given this scriptural example, providing adequate health care for our citizens is consistent with our duty to show compassion and mercy to those who suffer. If we callously make no provision for the poor and needy, our prayers may be hindered, just as in the case of the Israelites. Therefore, inequality of access takes its rightful place as one of the major ethical issues in the health care reform debate. Controlling Costs Another problem is cost, which several factors contribute to. As the baby-boomer generation hits retirement age, this large population demographic is straining the system. Fear and public expectations fuel an increased desire for CAT scans and other high-tech tests. Tobacco and alcohol abuse are rampant. We have a nationwide epidemic of obesity. Our litigation-prone society means the malpractice crisis has driven up health care premiums, with a tendency toward “defensive medicine.” And the current economic recession and high unemployment rate only add to the problem. Why is this all so hard to fix? As an employment-based system, health insurance “belongs” to the employer, not to the worker. Employees cannot shop for the best plan, which reduces competition among insurers. This also means employees cannot carry their health insurance to other states and to other companies. When they try to get fresh coverage elsewhere, they may be turned down because of pre-existing conditions. These ethical concerns are deep-seated failures of our current health care system. The political solutions will be complex, and the answers will require compromise and some sacrifice, especially as we remember the principles of Isaiah 58. Along the way, our Christian commitments demand we reject any health care plan that funds abortion, encourages assisted suicide, or mandates the premature withdrawal of life- sustaining treatments. We should reject health care rationing, which would discriminate against the disadvantaged. And we cannot remove conscience protections for health care professionals, which give them the right not to participate in morally objectionable procedures. How does the new legislation address these issues? The full impact may not be known for many years. However, it seems fair to report that the bill deals primarily with access, namely by providing an additional 32 million Americans with health insurance. It does little to reduce health care costs. How it will fare in terms of abortion coverage and protection of conscience rights is yet unclear. As Christians, we should intentionally and knowledgeably get involved in the health care debate. Our political representatives need us to remind them of their duty to all citizens. And they need to remember the primary purpose of health care — to help restore shalom. Dr. Dennis Sullivan serves as professor of biology at Cedarville University and director of the University’s Center for Bioethics ( www.cedarville.edu/bioethics ) . He received his B.S. from Youngstown State University, his M.D. from Case Western Reserve University, and his M.A. in bioethics from Trinity International University. A member of the American Medical Association, the Christian Medical Association, and the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, he has been honored as a Diplomate by the American Board of Surgery and as a Fellow by the American College of Surgeons. He has been at Cedarville since 1996.