Press Release – For Immediate Release
Troy, MI (April 6, 2020)
The Christ Medicus Foundation praises the Bulletin of the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) entitled Civil Rights, HIPAA, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019. The HHS Bulletin reminds healthcare institutions and all healthcare professionals that discrimination in access to healthcare services, whether based on disability, age, or any other protected status, violates federal civil rights laws. HHS is right to vigorously enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, among other federal civil rights laws.“The natural moral law and federal civil rights laws must guide the provision of medical care, inclusive of triage protocols,” said Jordan Buzza, J.D., Director of the Christ Medicus Foundation’s health care ministry CMF CURO.
“Even though healthcare entities may face a shortage of medical resources and human resources, decisions about treatment must be based upon sound medical information and a sincere desire to save the life of every person regardless of age or disability,” continued Mr. Buzza. He concluded by saying, “When hospitals and other healthcare facilities take a utilitarian approach to rationing care that fails to respect the intrinsic dignity of each person, they violate the foundational civil rights principle that every human life has equal value. Human life is sacred and in moments of crisis, protection of the vulnerable is essential.”
HHS also advises medical facilities to honor requests made by the gravely sick and the dying to receive safe access to clergy and the administration of religious practices, inclusive of the Sacraments.
According to Michael Vacca, J.D., Director of Ministry, Bioethics, and Member Experience for CMF CURO, “The right to religious freedom, including access to the Sacraments, particularly Anointing of the Sick, Reconciliation, and Viaticum, must not be denied to anyone pursuant to the 1st Amendment of the United States Constitution.” Mr. Vacca continued, “Our Lord Jesus died for everyone so they could have eternal life, and the administration of Last Rites has always been an important practice aimed towards the healing and sanctification of those near death.”
The Christ Medicus Foundation and CMF CURO urgently pray for all those affected by COVID-19 and urge everyone to offer up their sufferings for the salvation of souls. May God have mercy on all people, particularly those most in need of His mercy.
CONTACT: Becky Escher, Marketing & Communications Manager, (817) 371-1979; [email protected]