KC bishops in 'socialization' warning [CN-USA]

[Catholic_Press]

In a detailed analysis of Catholic principles applied to the field of health care, Kansas City prelates, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop Robert W. Finn. warn against loss of responsibility, higher costs and reduction of personalized care.

The bishops’ joint pastoral statement warns not only against an expansion of abortion or mandatory end-of-life counseling, but also the dangers of “excessive centralization” and “government socialization” of medicine, NCR Online reports.

“Experts say that the critique goes beyond pronouncements offered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, or by other American prelates, which typically have called for preserving ‘pluralism’ in health care but otherwise seem neutral, or even favorably inclined, to new government initiatives,” NCR commentator John L. Allen, Jr says.

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[JimG]

“The right of every individual to access health care does not necessarily suppose an obligation on the part of the government to provide it. Yet in our American culture, Catholic teaching about the “right” to healthcare is sometimes confused with the structures of “entitlement.” The teaching of the Universal Church has never been to suggest a government socialization of medical services.” --Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Finn, writing in a joint pastoral letter.