Health Care

Advance Directives

I admit it. I read obituaries in the newspaper, not out of morbid curiosity, but because I’m reminded that every single human life matters. Some died tragically in their youth; others lived lengthy and apparently fulfilling lives, including a remarkable number who make it past 1
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A Vision for Health Care Reform

Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2288) Health care reform is a hot topic in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. There
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2005-2006 Legislative Session Comes to an End

Another two-year legislative session is ending in Harrisburg. Hundreds of public policy proposals were discussed and done, or left undone by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) and the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Association (PCHA) tracked an
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Emergency Contraception and Religious Freedom

In Harrisburg, a legislative mandate for hospitals to provide emergency contraception (EC) to victims of sexual assault is being considered. This drug treatment is confusing. How does it work? Where does the Catholic Church stand? Why should citizens care? EC is a high dose of birth c
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Cover All Kids…Support CHIP

Health insurance tops the list of concerns for many if not most Pennsylvania families. As the cost of coverage rises faster than most incomes, some working families are finding themselves in a crisis situation. How will they afford insurance coverage, especially for their children? Cu
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2006-2007 Commonwealth Budget Review

Last month Governor Ed Rendell proposed a $54.2 billion spending plan for the fiscal year 2006-2007. State legislators will debate and discuss the dollar figures and policy implications of each line item over the next several months. Ideally, a final bill will pass the House of Repres
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