Physical and Mental Healthcare
“A society truly welcomes life when it recognizes that it is also precious in old age, in disability, in serious illness and even when it is fading; when it teaches that the call to human fulfillment does not exclude suffering; indeed, when it teaches its members to see in the sick and suffering a gift for the entire community, a presence that summons them to solidarity and responsibility.” -Pope Francis
https://www.usccb.org/committees/domestic-justice-and-human-development/health-care
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2024
General Healthcare
The Catholic bishops have advocated for quality, accessible and affordable health care for all for decades. The bishops have consistently insisted that access to decent health care is a basic safeguard of human life and an affirmation of human dignity from conception until natural death. Health care policy should be supported that:
1) Ensures access to quality, affordable, life-giving health care for all;
2) Retains longstanding requirements that federal funds not be used for elective abortions or plans that include them and effectively protects conscience rights; and,
3) Protects the access to health care that immigrants currently have and removes current barriers to access. Providing affordable and accessible health care that clearly reflects these fundamental criteria is a public good, moral imperative and urgent national priority.
https://www.ccdocle.org/files/assets/bishop-notes-on-protecting-life-and-dignity-in-health-care.pdf
Mental Healthcare
“We, as Catholics, can and must respond to this challenge with the hope and compassion of our Lord. Individuals with mental illness and those facing mental health challenges are created in the image and likeness of God. They retain their God-given dignity. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, our message is clear. You are the treasure of the church.”
The Plenary Assembly of Bishops in Baltimore, MD, November 15, 2023