Catholic Medical Association

Catholic Medical Association

Catholic Medical Association Says Health Care Reform Bills Too Pro-Abortion

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- The Catholic Medical Association supports "healthcare reform that increases access and quality" but the group is concerned about the pro-abortion and rationing aspects of the health care bills pending in Congress. The organization says "existing legislation in the House and Senate-- combined with President Obama's push for hasty action-- could make our current, flawed system even worse." The CMA, in a statement, says it is "particularly concerned about two significant ethical issues (1) respect for the conscience rights of health-care providers; and (2) a mandate to finance and provide abortion." The group continues: "Unprecedented powers are entrusted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (as evidenced by over 1,120 references to the "Secretary" and his/her powers in the House bill) and to a new authority-- the "Health Choices Commissioner." Moreover, a Federal Coordinating Council on Comparative Effectiveness was created and funded, without adequate debate, by the Stimulus Bill; and there are valid concerns that the FCCCE could soon start regulating medical treatments based not only on clinical, but also "economic" criteria." CMA President Louis C. Breschi, M.D., is alarmed that White House officials and Congressional committees have refused to exclude abortion from health-care legislation. Ref. Source 8