by Fr. Larry Janezic , OFM
FAN Interim Executive Director

, in a few days, the health care reform legislation that passed in both houses of Congress will be combined to form one bill.   There are still outstanding issues that can be addressed in the conference session (i.e. federal funding of abortion and costs and deficit spending).  In an effort to better understand the proposed legislation and how it addresses some principles for reform, we are offering two perspective pieces, written by Dr. Guy Clifton, neurosurgeon, clinical investigator, administrator, and health policy advocate, and by Fr. Thomas Nairn, OFM Ph.D., Senior Director of Ethics for Catholic Health Association.  Dr. Clifton talks about the legislative debate in terms of justice and the need for reform.  His views and insight is elaborated in his book, Flatlined.   Fr. Tom reviews the position of the Catholic Bishops and overall how the proposed legislation addresses the long standing Catholic principles for health care reform. A downloadable and printable PDF version of both articles is available on the linked pages for use in your own educational efforts. 

FAN has supported and continues to support efforts at health care reform.  We recognize that legislative efforts will produce an imperfect product. But, we also believe that policy reform is an ongoing endeavor that constantly refines the realization of social justice.  FAN, with the recognition that large comprehensive bills such as health care reform tend to have imperfect elements, supports efforts to move forward to serve the interest of the common good.