Advocating for Religious Freedom in Healthcare: A New Policy Agenda

A New Coalition for Religious Freedom in Healthcare

In a significant move to fortify religious freedom within the American healthcare system, the Christ Medicus Foundation (CMF), Religious Freedom Institute, and Catholic Health Care Leadership Alliance have unveiled a new policy agenda. This initiative underscores the essential role that faith-based institutions play in enhancing the health and well-being of Americans while affirming religious freedom as a fundamental human right.

The joint effort was announced via a press release from CMF on October 24, aiming to expand awareness among policymakers and the public on the importance of religious freedom in healthcare. The coalition seeks to protect and empower religiously affiliated health institutions to ensure they can fully contribute to the healthcare sector.

Key Principles of the Policy Agenda

1. Equal Opportunities for Faith-Based Health Care: The agenda asserts that religious freedom enables compassionate care provided by both individuals and institutions. CMF research indicates that incorporating religious values into healthcare can lead to better patient outcomes. The coalition urges recognition and protection of the rights of religious health care providers, ensuring equal access to funding.
2. Protection of Life, Dignity, and Religious Freedom: With a focus on protecting vulnerable populations, including unborn children and disabled patients, the coalition advocates for policies against discrimination based on religious or moral beliefs.
3. Access to Life-Affirming Medical Care: The coalition promotes collaboration among government and faith-based organizations to facilitate equal access to essential medical care across communities, particularly for at-risk populations.
4. Enforcement of Religious Freedom Rights: The coalition calls for the enforcement of existing laws that uphold medical professionals’ rights to follow their conscience and religious beliefs.
5. Rescinding Harmful Health Mandates: Concerned by HHS mandates that require healthcare providers to operate against their beliefs, the coalition urges for these mandates to be revoked to uphold patient dignity.
6. Reinforcing the Social Safety Net: Emphasizing holistic health approaches, the coalition advocates for strengthening support systems for vulnerable populations, integrating faith and community into healthcare solutions.
7. Patient Freedom in Health Care Choices: Upholding patient rights to make informed healthcare decisions is recognized as vital for protecting individual dignity within the system.

The Christ Medicus Foundation, through its CURO Catholic Health and Wellness Program, continues to advocate for compassionate, pro-life healthcare solutions. By prioritizing religious freedom and ethical practices, the coalition envisions a healthcare landscape where faith-based approaches are respected and recognized as integral to social stability and individual well-being in the United States.