Overcoming the Prejudice Against Establishing a National Health Care System

A Values Framework for Health System Reform

“…Our society must adopt a values framework with "a new blend of ethical priorities," in Richard Botelho's words, and then place it at the forefront of health care reform. 28 The proposed new U.S. values framework squarely establishes fair access as the preeminent value; reemphasizes several neglected values; adds several community-oriented values; and offers rules to resolve conflicts among competing values. This framework should serve as the moral foundation of America's health care system and explicitly guide health care policy.…”

What makes a just healthcare system?

“…The effort required by the American public to overcome these impediments will need to be matched by the willingness of medical professionals to overcome their resistance to the transformation of the American healthcare system 11. This will require a broadening of professional ethics to include considerations of the public interest and the common good 12.…”