Speaking out on misinformation in health debate

A news conference August 19 in Kansas City took aim at misinformation marring the debate on health reform.

Myra Christopher of the Center was quoted extensively, chastising reform critics for frightening the elderly with false claims that reform proposals in Congress would limit end-of-life care.

That’s “fear-mongering and demagoguery,” Christopher said. “I think it’s absolutely despicable.”

Here are links to coverage:

Clergy, community leaders say the health debate has been marred by misinformation, Kansas City Star, August 20, 2009

Health Care Reform Supporters Slam 'Fear Mongering', WDAF-TV 4, August 19, 2009

Faith Leaders Ask For Civil Discourse On Health Care, KMBC-TV 9, August 19, 2009

False Information Muddles Health Debate, KCUR Radio, August 20, 2009

Health Reform Hot Buttons

The furies continue to rage over healthcare reform and the Center for Practical Bioethics is planning some educational offerings for the Kansas City community in October.

I have no problem with argument if it could just remain civil. An article in the current Newsweek tries to analyze why the hot buttons are being pushed so fast. I’ll re-read it for some discussion next week.

But now I go to my ethics brown bag where I shall attempt to hear arguments pro and con an 85 year old’s receiving a kidney transplant.

Rationing is not a dirty word—but I just wish it were self-chosen instead of imposed.

We’re not there yet.

"If we pervert this, we will all lose."

July 31, 2009

Over the last week or so opponents of healthcare reform have been latching on to end of life provisions in the House bill, claiming it would promote euthanasia among our nation’s seniors.

In the July 3 edition of The Bioethics Channel, Myra Christopher and Dr. Christian Sinclair of Kansas City Hospice both expressed concern that the debate would turn in that direction.

“This is not about trying to save money on the backs of dying people,” Myra said.

Dr. Sinclair said he was hopeful end of life and palliative care would not become “buzzwords” subject to being demonized.

Unfortunately, that’s exactly what has happened.

You can listen to Myra’s and Christian’s remarks by clicking on the link below. The interviewer is Lorell LaBoube, the Center's director of communications.

Look for more commentary on this issue soon.

Link: Health Reform and End of Life Care, abbreviated version, Bioethics Channel, July 3, 2009, 2 minutes 12 seconds