For good reason, most of the concern about the health care proposals coming out of congress is directed toward the attempts to hide provisions for taxpayer funded abortions in the language of the bill. This, and also the fear of assisted suicide provisions and the alleged possibility of “death panels,” certainly needs to receive the most attention right now.
However, Catholics must not be lulled into thinking that these are the only reasons to oppose a government-run plan. Even if by some miracle the Senate Finance Committee adopts all of the amendments to fix language that leaves the possibility of publically funded abortion, there is still the issue of subsidiarity, and how a forced government option can, in principle, still run contrary to Church teaching. Unfortunately, many Catholics have no idea what subsidiarity is, and why it needs to be at the forefront of the current health care debate.
It is a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they [individuals] can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry.” – Pope Pius XI, Quadragesimo Anno
Though the term is probably foreign to most, the concept is common sense. In basic terms, subsidiarity holds that even though it may sometimes be necessary for higher levels of government to assume responsibilities previously held by lower levels, this comes with great risk to individual freedom and dignity, and can expose a society to greater corruption and tyranny. Therefore, a government-run “anything” should only be considered as an absolute last resort.
For an excellent primer on the concept of subsidiarity and how a Catholic should respond to the current health care debate, I highly recommend reading the joint letter composed by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Bishop Robert W. Finn (found here). After you read it, email it to your senator. Tell them that you expect that any health care bill be formed using sound moral reasoning and based on the principles of subsidiarity.
Several other bishops and Catholic organizations have produced similar statements to help educate Catholics on these issues. Please check back often as we will try to highlight several of these as the debate continues in congress.
Patrick Looby, Fredericksburg, VA
