The US Bishops have not supported the recent developments in extending heathcare to millions of Americans. They have concerns that some funding may support the availability of abortion.  Whilst that is clearly a concern –  to go against an initative that will save lives and protect the dignity of those who are suffering,  baffles me.  Archbishop Naumann said “I have no doubt of the good intentions of those in the Catholic Health Association, but their good intentions do not mitigate the effects of their poor judgment.” That point of view can equally be levelled at the Bishop’s one dimentional stance. Many who share his views on the issue of abortion, will equally feel  free to support such a good action as contained in the  healthcare legislation. The association of Religious in Healthcare seem to have a broader perspective…..see what you think.

In his column in this week’s Leaven (see page 2), Archbishop Naumann said he was “deeply troubled” to learn that Sister Carol Keehan, chief executive of the CHA, urged members of the House of Representatives to vote for the Senate’s health care legislation.
He wrote that by voicing its support, the CHA has provided political cover to House members who wish to vote for the Senate’s bill, and that the CHA has taken this action knowing the U. S. bishops opposed the legislation.
“I think the Catholic Health Association, to go off on its own in its position against pro-life groups and the leadership of the Catholic Church, is very distressing,” said Archbishop Naumann, in an interview prior to publishing his column. “I have no doubt of the good intentions of those in the Catholic Health Association, but their good intentions do not mitigate the effects of their poor judgment.”
In a letter published March 15 on the CHA Web site, Sister Carol, a Daughter of Charity, called the coming vote on the Senate bill a “historic opportunity to make great improvements in the lives of so many Americans.”
She conceded that the bill was flawed, but lauded it as a major first step. She also voiced “major concern on the life issues.”
Sister Carol said that people would have to write a separate check for abortion coverage according to this legislation, and that monies for abortion coverage would be kept in a separate account, and thus no federal dollars would be used to fund abortion.
“The insurance reforms will make the lives of millions more secure, and their coverage more affordable,” she wrote. “The reforms will eventually make affordable health insurance available to 31 million of the 47 million Americans currently without coverage.”
She also said the bill had a “wonderful provision” that would provide $250 million over 10 years to help vulnerable women who are pregnant or already parents. Sister Carol also lauded the bill for including adoption assistance.

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