A commentary on "Securing Access to Health Care." Ethics Commission access report urges adequate care for all

Society has a moral obligation to provide adequate access to health care for all, concludes the President's Commission for te Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavorial Research in its report Securing Access to Health Care. Though the federal government's involvement is not necessary if private forces are able to achieve equity in health care delivery, the government bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that society fulfills its obligations. Meeting these objectives will require changes in the country's political and economic systems, which traditionally have not emphasized subordinating the individual good to the common good. The needs of the poor must take priority even at risk of burdening the advantaged. The commission recognizes that it is irresponsible to advocate equity without acknowledging the need to control costs. Greater equity can be attained only if changes in health care management practices are adopted and if decisions regarding resource use are based on social goals. Thus placing the needs of the poor first may mean a commitment to use less high-cost treatment. The report presents an opportunity to promote a more just health care policy. Catholic health care facilities, for example, can be made models of institutions that have met the needs of the poor, and they can become social justice advocates for government policies that benefit the poor and the disadvantaged.