The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins its voice to many others in the US in urging lawmakers to retain the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Act is often referred to as “Obamacare.”
Healthcare is a human right. Article 25 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “[E]veryone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services.” Healthcare is often a matter of life or death for many people. There are millions of Americans in dire need for health care services and a repeal of the ACA means that many will not be getting the healthcare they need.
AHRC-USA urges all elected officials to engage in a constructive debate that takes into account the interests of all the stakeholders, most importantly the interests of the patient. It is unconscionable that a human right is used as a political football the way it is dealt with today.
“The US is the richest country in the world and it can provide healthcare to its most vulnerable citizens,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “”Healthcare is a core issue in the US today that affects millions of people. We urge the lawmakers to be mindful of the lives that the change in the law will affect” continued Hamad.