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Healthcare provision would embrace prayer

WASHINGTON (UPI) -- Among provisions in the U.S. Senate version of healthcare reform is language that would require insurers to consider prayer treatments as medical expenses.

The language -- which would bar discrimination against "religious and spiritual healthcare" -- would put Christian Science prayer treatments on the same plane as clinical medicine, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. The Church of Christ, Scientist isn't mentioned specifically in the bill language.

The provision was inserted by Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, with the support of Democratic Sens. John F. Kerry and the late Edward M. Kennedy, both of Massachusetts, home of the church's headquarters.

Phil Davis, a senior Christian Science official, told the Times prayer treatment is an valuable alternative to conventional healthcare.

"We are making the case for this, believing there is a connection between healthcare and spirituality," Davis said.

Critics said the measure could bestow medical legitimacy on practices beyond the realm of science, the Times said.

Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, said the chance to receive payment for spiritual care could encourage other groups to seek similar status.

"This would be an absolute invitation to organize," Gaylor said.



Copyright 2009 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 11/03/2009
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Posted Comments:

11-06-2009 11:02
Biddy wrote:



Way to go Thomas! I salute you!!! Well said.



11-04-2009 19:51
Thomas wrote:



It is strange that you would only point out that Mr. Hatch, a Republican, had anything to do with it! Your Mr. Kerry and Mr. Kennedy had a much stronger influence on their constituences, and they were/are Democrats! Puzzeling



11-04-2009 15:35
Verhoeven wrote:



I suspect this is Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah,sneaky plan to make a farce out of the President's Health care for all. Watch the wacko cults that will jump on that gravy train. That's only added in to make sure the entire Bill gets vetoed. Big Med is making sure they shall continue to hold the reins of profit practicing private Insurers I also suspect much money passed into certain senatorial hands.



11-04-2009 13:50
Come On - People Get Real wrote:

Medical Treatment - Payment for Spiritual

I would think, all, no matter their church/demonanation/belief would be praying for their loved one who was ill, and why would we pay people for it. I thought this proped Health Care was a "vehicle" that would take medical care to all and cut costs at the same time. Beyond even imagination, forget belief.



11-04-2009 13:07
T.T. wrote:



I am totally speachless on this one! It is so absurd that words cant apply! Of course Prayer is a vital necessity in any emergemcy, but to charge for it, for someone to be paid, or expect compensation for it, is beyond the pale!




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