Texas Catholic Conference Issues Bishop’s Statement on Health Reform

The Texas Catholic Conference issued a statement this week by our state’s Roman Catholic Bishops with a strong—and strongly mixed—message.  The statement emphasizes the Church’s belief in  “the fundamental right to life and the right to affordable healthcare, which flows from the right to life,”  emphasizing that the strong commitment to reform is inseparable from its opposition to abortion.

The statement emphasizes these key concerns:

            • Reform must restrict funding for abortion and respect the consciences of health care providers;

            • Cost structures must not impose excessive financial burdens on low and moderate income individuals and families;

            • Measures must safeguard the heath of all of society, including the poor, the elderly, and immigrants;

            • Legal immigrants and their families must be allowed timely access to comprehensive and affordable health care coverage; and

            • An adequate safety net must be maintained for those who remain uncovered.

The Bishops make it clear that support for reform is conditional on bills meeting the church’s standards on abortion and provider conscience, saying “we will be a committed partner in advancing reform on this  life-and-death issue; but if the final form of the legislation does not include acceptable language in these areas then we will have to oppose it vigorously.”

The statement and press release can be read here.