WASHINGTON—After
the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Health Care Act (H.R.
1628), Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops’
Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, called on the Senate to strip
out the harmful provisions of the bill when the chamber takes it up for
consideration.

“Even with
efforts to improve the bill before passage, the American Health Care Act still
contains major defects, particularly regarding changes to Medicaid that risk
coverage and affordability for millions; it is deeply disappointing that the
voices of those who will be most severely impacted were not heeded,” said
Bishop Dewane. “The AHCA does offer critical life protections, and our health
care system desperately needs these safeguards. But still, vulnerable
people must not be left in poor and worsening circumstances as Congress
attempts to fix the current and impending problems with the Affordable Care
Act.”

Since
discussions about repealing the Affordable Care Act began, the U.S. Bishops
have repeatedly called for Congress to honor key moral principles in health
care reform. Among them are: access for all people to comprehensive, quality
health care that is truly affordable, including extra consideration for
pre-existing conditions; respect for life by preventing the use of federal
funds for abortion or to purchase health care plans that cover it; and
conscience protections. Prior to Thursday’s vote, Bishop Dewane urged
House members to insist on changes, especially for the sake of those who are
struggling.

“When the
Senate takes up the AHCA, it must act decisively to remove the harmful
proposals from the bill that will affect low-income people—including
immigrants—as well as add vital conscience protections, or begin reform efforts
anew. Our health care policy must honor all human life and dignity from
conception to natural death, as well as defend the sincerely-held moral and
religious beliefs of those who have any role in the health care system,” said Bishop
Dewane.

—–

Keywords: U.S.
Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Committee on
Domestic Justice and Human Development, American Health Care Act (AHCA),
respect for life, human dignity, health care, affordability, abortion, poverty,
immigration.

###

Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops