By: Daniel Nardini
It may change the way hospitals deal with us. Rush University Medical Center announced that they will treat the undocumented even if they cannot pay. This includes transplantation of organs. This is no small act of humanity for people who have no real legal status in this country, no way to protect themselves if they are robbed or the victims of other crimes, and no way to seek help if they are victimized by employers. It is a highly unusual policy since the undocumented nine times out of ten really cannot pay because they either do not make much money or they are cheated out of their wages by employers. Because they have no legal status, the chances are they stand a greater chance of becoming ill or face a grave illness because they cannot afford or cannot find immediate treatment from doctors because of their status.
If this sounds all terrible and even heartless, we must sadly remember that the undocumented are not really seen as people. They are seen as “lawbreakers” who should have no rights and be extended no protections. It does not occur to so many Americans that the undocumented work, pay taxes, and try to lead quiet lives for the most part. The undocumented are the workers who do our yard work and cleaning the inside of our homes, work in our restaurants, work in the building construction industry, work in food processing, and yes work in our very hospitals to help save lives. When they are injured, can we now justify turning them away? Sadly this happens too often. But they are turned away as much for inability to pay just as they may be for their immigration status. And yes, some die for lack of medical help that they should have received. If this was one of our family members or a close friend, would we want this to happen to someone we care about?
I know, I hear arguments that we can treat the undocumented but not Americans who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Many will argue that this is equally wrong and that we should give priority to Americans. In my book we should give priority to anyone who needs it. It does not matter to me if the person is an American or a legal permanent resident or an undocumented. If we are in another country seeking medical help, should we not get equal treatment regardless of our nationality? I am not arguing that we should not treat fellow Americans who have no insurance and cannot pay. But at the same time I equally think that a doctor’s medical oath to help the sick should not just extend to a person’s immigration status. I am happy that Rush University Medical Center is looking beyond the immigration issue at who needs help the most. I hope other hospitals will do the same.
A Humanitarian Act Closer to Home
By: Daniel Nardini
It may change the way hospitals deal with us. Rush University Medical Center announced that they will treat the undocumented even if they cannot pay. This includes transplantation of organs. This is no small act of humanity for people who have no real legal status in this country, no way to protect themselves if they are robbed or the victims of other crimes, and no way to seek help if they are victimized by employers. It is a highly unusual policy since the undocumented nine times out of ten really cannot pay because they either do not make much money or they are cheated out of their wages by employers. Because they have no legal status, the chances are they stand a greater chance of becoming ill or face a grave illness because they cannot afford or cannot find immediate treatment from doctors because of their status.
If this sounds all terrible and even heartless, we must sadly remember that the undocumented are not really seen as people. They are seen as “lawbreakers” who should have no rights and be extended no protections. It does not occur to so many Americans that the undocumented work, pay taxes, and try to lead quiet lives for the most part. The undocumented are the workers who do our yard work and cleaning the inside of our homes, work in our restaurants, work in the building construction industry, work in food processing, and yes work in our very hospitals to help save lives. When they are injured, can we now justify turning them away? Sadly this happens too often. But they are turned away as much for inability to pay just as they may be for their immigration status. And yes, some die for lack of medical help that they should have received. If this was one of our family members or a close friend, would we want this to happen to someone we care about?
I know, I hear arguments that we can treat the undocumented but not Americans who have no insurance and cannot afford to pay. Many will argue that this is equally wrong and that we should give priority to Americans. In my book we should give priority to anyone who needs it. It does not matter to me if the person is an American or a legal permanent resident or an undocumented. If we are in another country seeking medical help, should we not get equal treatment regardless of our nationality? I am not arguing that we should not treat fellow Americans who have no insurance and cannot pay. But at the same time I equally think that a doctor’s medical oath to help the sick should not just extend to a person’s immigration status. I am happy that Rush University Medical Center is looking beyond the immigration issue at who needs help the most. I hope other hospitals will do the same.