(The following is adapted from a September 11, 2009 action alert from Kathy Saile, the Director of Domestic Social Development for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
Now that Congress has returned to Washington and is again working on the health insurance bills, the US bishops need your advocacy more than ever. Please call your Members of Congress at 202-224-3121 and tell them to:
1. Support long-overdue health insurance reform that covers all people and protects the life, dignity, and health of all. Health insurance reform is an important national priority and moral imperative.
2. A fair and just health insurance reform bill must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and uphold longstanding laws that restrict abortion funding and protect conscience rights. Urge Members to take whatever steps necessary in Committee or on the Floor to oppose abortion funding, abortion mandates, and weakening of conscience protections.
3. Support effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants, their children and all of society. Maintain an adequate safety net for those who remain uncovered. Eliminate the five-year waiting period banning immigrants lawfully residing in the United States from enrolling in Medicaid. Do not place barriers to obtaining private health insurance coverage for immigrants.
You can find information on your Members of Congress at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
Copyright © 2009, Deacon Carl D. Smith. All rights reserved. Reprint permission granted to parishes for use in Sunday bulletins.
