Letters to the Editor
Originally published April 2, 2005
Where’s outcry over the lack of health care?
The Terri Schiavo case cut to the core of American hearts and souls. In part, the outpouring of passionate support for her parents’ position was about the individuals involved. In a larger sense, it was about deep concerns many Americans have about the direction our moral life is taking (“As Schiavo saga winds down, leaders pursue broader debate,” March 29).
But one aspect of this moral tension that was not given full consideration in the Schiavo case is access to medical care. More than 45 million Americans lack health care insurance. The Institute of Medicine has estimated that the lack of health insurance is the direct cause of death for more than 18,000 Americans every year.
These 18,000 Americans die because of complications from very treatable diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes. In the Schiavo case, there was conflicting evidence as to whether Terri Schiavo would have wanted to continue chronic tube feedings with her degree of brain damage.
There is absolutely no conflicting evidence about the 45 million Americans who are excluded from health care insurance. They want it, and reside in a nation that denies it to them.
There is absolutely no moral ambiguity about the 18,000 Americans who are sentenced to death every year because our health care system refuses to address their needs.
Why is there no moral outcry about these Americans who unnecessarily die every year? Do they matter as much as Mrs. Schiavo? Where is emergency action by our president and our Congress? Where is the righteous rage from those who fear God?
Terri Schiavo’s care cost, at a conservative estimate, $100,000 per year for 15 years. How many Americans could have been kept alive if equal monies had been spent in treating routine diseases? How can our president and Congress try to pass budget cuts for Medicaid at a time when lack of health insurance benefits is pushing more and more workers into Medicaid?
Does the suffering of millions of the working poor have any meaning to our leaders? I have a deep respect for Christians who saw vital moral issues in continuing the tube feedings for Terri Schiavo. I pray they will be equally able to see the vital moral issues in caring for everyone who needs medical care.
Terri Schiavo’s greatest gift to her country may be in wakening its conscience.
Dr. James A. Cockey
Salisbury