Healthcare and Politics: Who Deserves to Live?

A well-known doctor and health policy expert has raised concerns about the current government's approach to healthcare and immigration. The discussion comes as a government shutdown drags on, with both sides stuck in a stalemate over spending and healthcare policies.

Echoes of Dark Historical Policies

The doctor, who teaches the history of health and eugenics at a major university, points out that the government's language about "deserving" patients echoes dark historical policies. In the 1920s, the U.S. had a eugenics movement that used flawed science to justify discriminatory laws and forced sterilizations. The doctor argues that the current administration's rhetoric on immigration and healthcare access is alarmingly similar.

The Ongoing Shutdown and Its Impact

The ongoing shutdown is part of a larger pattern in recent health policy, according to the doctor. There have been significant federal cuts and stricter rules about who qualifies for help. The doctor, who has extensive experience in emergency care, notes that these policies don't translate well in real-life situations. In an emergency, doctors don't ask about immigration status or insurance—they focus on treating the patient.

Federal Law vs. Political Rhetoric

Despite political rhetoric, federal law still requires hospitals to treat anyone who comes through the emergency room doors, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status. The doctor emphasizes that in an emergency, there's no time to check databases or verify documents. The priority is always the patient's well-being.

Life-or-Death Consequences

As the shutdown continues, the doctor warns that the consequences of political decisions can have real, life-or-death impacts in emergency rooms. Doctors will always do what's right for the patient, no matter their background or status.