World News
Catholic foundation urges changes in SCHIP, Medicaid programs
Published: December 26, 2008
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Officials of the Christus Medicus Foundation said that unless Congress makes changes in the State Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid for children the consequences could be as dire as those predicted if the proposed Freedom of Choice Act were to become law. In a Dec. 23 letter to supporters, the top three officers of the foundation said SCHIP and Medicaid in their current forms "violate our religious liberty" by providing contraceptives, abortifacients and abortions to minors; denying parents the right to choose a health plan for their children that does not offer those options; and forcing taxpayers to fund immoral activities. Although both government programs for low-income Americans "were well-intended and much-needed ..., they have resulted in programs that directly attack the family," said the letter signed by Dr. John Damiani, president; Michael Warner, vice president; and Richard S. Myers, secretary. The three also said if FOCA was passed and became law it would have "disastrous consequences for the culture of life and the freedom to practice our Christian faith." FOCA would wipe out many existing state laws and impede states' ability to regulate abortion, but it is unclear if it will even be reintroduced in the new Congress.
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