Recently, a League member asked me about the word that described how religion-affiliated hospitals determine what care they can provide. Save Secular Health Care in Washington is a major voice speaking to the issue. You can visit their website
here. The word is Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic hospitals. For those of you who have questions or concerns about secular versus nonsecular healthcare, visit their website. As you consider your healthcare choices, keep in mind that there are nuances in the delivery of services that can allow discretion for individual providers.
I hope you are following the Supreme Court cases regarding reproductive rights. The Court should have decisions regarding drugs used for medication abortion that could have an impact on how the FDA approves drugs. The second case pertains to whether the federal requirement that emergency care must be provided regardless of state law. This law was passed to prohibit hospitals from refusing to treat patients coming to their emergency room until the patient is, at least, stabilized.
Currently, some pregnant patients are refused care unless they are dying. We can only hope that patients’ health will be the Justices’ priority.
Why It Matters
Nationally the League has taken the position that the US healthcare system should provide a basic level of quality health care at an affordable cost to all US residents. Basic care includes disease prevention, primary care (including prenatal and reproductive health), acute long-term care, mental health care, as well as health promotion and education. Health care policy goals should include the equitable distribution of services and delivery of care, advancement of medical research and technology, and a reasonable total national expenditure level.
The healthcare committee meeting for May is canceled. No decision has been made regarding meetings during the summer.