In light of the controversy and confusion created through the announcement by Catholic Health Association – USA in support of the Senate health care reform bill, the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference jointly sent a letter to the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to clarify that their position is in accord with the Bishops of Pennsylvania and USCCB.

The text of the letter follows:

March 17, 2010

Dear Representative:

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC), the public affairs arm of the Pennsylvania Catholic Bishops, and the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA) representing Pennsylvania Catholic health care facilities, are taking the opportunity at this critical time to endorse fully the statements about health care reform which have been made by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).  It is abundantly clear that the Senate bill now under consideration has flaws which are significant and which must be resolved.  Unless the concerns of the USCCB are remedied, PCC and PCHA join the national Bishops Conference in opposing the legislation. http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-043.shtml

Thank you for your attention.

Dr. Robert J. O’Hara, Jr., Executive Director, Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

Sister Clare Christi Schiefer, OSF, President, Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association