FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2010
CONTACT: STEPHANIE NIEDRINGHAUS, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC: Today, Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, issued a statement strongly endorsing comments about healthcare reform legislation by Sister Carol Keehan, President and CEO of the Catholic Health Association. She stated, “I applaud the leadership of Sister Carol Keehan, DC, and the Catholic Health Association staff. Her astute analysis of the Senate healthcare bill has allowed Catholics to see the breadth of life issues at work in this legislation. NETWORK stands strongly with CHA advocating that the House pass the Senate bill and then work to make improvements. This is the way to affirm life, provide for those whom the market has left out, and bring down insurance costs. This is a responsible way forward, and NETWORK calls on the House to pass the Senate bill now.”

NETWORK has been a strong faith advocate for healthcare reform for many years, and is on record supporting passage of the current bill. Like Sister Carol Keehan, we acknowledge that the current bill is not perfect, but it is a highly significant first step toward making healthcare available to millions of people who cannot afford coverage. We also agree with those who state that increased access to healthcare will reduce abortion rates. Maintaining the status quo will keep those rates higher while many people will also be denied lifesaving medical care. This is the opposite of prolife, and our nation deserves better.

It is time to move beyond politics and grandstanding. We need healthcare reform now.

NETWORK—a Catholic leader in the global movement for justice and peace—educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation. Founded in 1971 by 47 Catholic sisters, NETWORK is supported by thousands of groups and individuals committed to working for social and economic justice. For more information, see www.networklobby.org.

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