FOR RELEASE: March 22, 2011                                                                    

CONTACT:  Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC:  NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby, celebrates tomorrow’s one-year anniversary of President Obama’s signing into law of the Affordable Care Act. As we mark this important step toward healthcare access for all – which is a fundamental right – we also remind Congress and others that deliberate misinformation campaigns designed to promote repeal of the law are wrong in a democratic country that depends on accurate information.

Sister Simone Campbell, NETWORK Executive Director, stated: “One year ago, we commended Congress for its courage in passing this lifesaving legislation and I celebrated with President Obama and other reform proponents immediately after its signing. Since then, I have been angered by a deliberate campaign of misinformation about the effects of the law. Congress must not repeal this law or hold back funding for its implementation. Such actions would be unconscionable because this law saves lives and supports our best values as a nation. Truth AND healthcare are what the American people deserve.”

NETWORK has been among our nation’s strongest advocates for universal access to affordable, quality healthcare since our founding 40 years ago. Last year, we originated the letter supporting the healthcare bill that was signed by leaders of thousands of Catholic Sisters just prior to the final congressional vote.

This new law has helped many thousands of Americans, including children with preexisting medical conditions, seniors with high prescription costs, and this year’s college graduates who are now able to remain on their family health insurance policies. All of these groups – and more – are already benefiting as the law is implemented.

Do we really want to return to the days when a baby can be denied insurance coverage after being born with a medical condition? Can we afford to continue practices that deny mothers access to prenatal services or place lifetime limits on insurance coverage? The answer is emphatically NO!

Congress must resist misguided political efforts to repeal this law while they ensure that adequate funding for its implementation is available. They should also work together to make it even more effective so that we can become a healthier, more productive nation that reflects the true American spirit. President Obama and his administration should continue their vigorous work to implement this law in a timely fashion. As a democratic society, we must resolve the challenging issue of access to healthcare. Let us continue on this road.

For more information about our position on healthcare reform, see www.networklobby.org/legislation/protect-and-strengthen-healthcare-reform.

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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