Toward a just healthcare system

The U.S. healthcare delivery system is a patchwork nonsystem full of inequities, whose symptoms include the prolongation of the dying process, a lack of preventive care, and patient dumping. What can be done to make this nation's healthcare delivery system more just? The U.S. healthcare system should be modeled on the same underlying assumptions and justice-related values as the U.S. education system, a system based on need. Americans would find such a model psychologically acceptable because they are familiar with it, even though it is not perfect. Because they have the facilities and resources at their disposal, care givers must experience solidarity with all those who need care. The unity and solidarity of all creation is an explicitly Christian theme and is an appropriate value to emphasize with regard to compassionate healthcare. To establish a fairer healthcare delivery system, providers must consider their own Christian responsibilities and those of the Church, as well as the civic responsibilities of the government. If Catholic healthcare professionals do their part to change the status quo, Americans will be able to enjoy a fair system of healthcare delivery based on need, not on ability to pay.