Background

Affordable and accessible health care is an essential safeguard of human life and a fundamental human right. Despite an increase in the number of people insured, millions of Americans still lack health care coverage. Health care coverage remains an urgent national priority.

The nation's health care system needs to be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, respect the principle of subsidiarity, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially born and unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations.

Employers, including religious groups and family-owned businesses, should be able to provide health care without compromising their moral or religious convictions, and individuals should be able to purchase health care that accords with their faith.

The USCCB supports measures to strengthen Medicare and Medicaid. Our conference also advocates effective, compassionate care that reflects Catholic moral values for those suffering from HIV/AIDS and those coping with addictions.  
USCCB, Faithful Citizenship, Section 80

USCCB Chairmen Call On Congress To Consider Moral Criteria During Debates On Health Care Policy

Act

• Promote and support healthcare companies which work to serve the community rather than working to make more money
• Support health organizations which do not severely contradict Catholic teaching
• Stay current on reforms and bills being passed in the government and the response of the Catholic Church

Learn

Educate Your Parish

• Saint Basil the Great (January 2): Patron Saint of Hospital Administrators
• Saint Luke (October 18): Patron Saint of Doctors

USCCB

• USCCB: Health Care
• USCCB: Health Care Reform
• USCCB: Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES

• Catholic Health Care in the United States
• Catholic Healthcare Association