The debate preceding passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, of 2010, was divisive amongst United States Catholics. Supporters of this flawed legislation dissented from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Threats to human dignity persist for the most vulnerable, including the unborn, elderly, immigrants, and poor. Third parties will increase intrusion upon the doctor-patient relationship. Unsustainable spending trends portend healthcare rationing. Catholic social teaching offers clear, and universal, principles for citizens of good will to guide amelioration of these fundamental health-care policy concerns.
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