Education as a Right in America: A Call for Health Care Equality

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Education is not merely a privilege; it is a fundamental right. As Malala Yousafzai famously stated, “Education is peace.” In the realm of social justice, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized that “of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”

Most Americans, including myself, hold education in high esteem. We specifically chose our neighborhood for its reputable school district. Our son, Oliver, who has a complex medical condition, is currently thriving within the public school system. Federal legislation mandates that Oliver receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in an environment suited to his needs. The specifics of this mandate vary according to the individual child’s circumstances. Oliver, for instance, is medically able to attend school full-time in a specialized classroom for children with disabilities.

It is crucial to note that Oliver’s education is not entirely free; it is funded by taxes collected from the community. Regardless of whether a family has children enrolled in public school, they contribute to the funding that supports educational institutions and the resources available to students.

I have never been told that my child lacks the right to an education. This is because, within our societal framework, K-12 education is recognized as a basic right for all American children. Most families willingly contribute to this system, ensuring that all children have access to quality learning environments, advanced technology, and trained educators.

Conversely, the narrative surrounding health care is starkly different. I have frequently encountered assertions that my family is exploiting the system or is a burden on society because we seek health care for Oliver. Health care is not considered a basic right in our country, and many individuals view the allocation of resources for medical care as an undue burden, resenting any portion of their income spent to support the health needs of others.

Why is education universally accepted as a right while health care remains contentious? Both the education and health care systems in the United States face significant challenges. We are aware of the disparities in educational quality, with underfunded schools disproportionately impacting children from low-income backgrounds. Similarly, health care access is fraught with inequities, often dictated by socioeconomic status.

On our income, affording private school is not an option for us; thankfully, public education is available. All three of my children will have the opportunity to access public schooling, regardless of our financial situation. However, the reality is that we cannot afford the full spectrum of health care that Oliver requires. This remains true even if our income were significantly higher. We carry health insurance and are subject to annual premium increases, just like many American families. Unfortunately, the costs associated with Oliver’s care that are not covered by our private insurance far exceed our financial means. Without Medicaid assistance, accessing necessary care is an unattainable goal.

Currently, we rely on Medicaid, particularly through a waiver program, to help cover the expenses that private insurance does not. We are not exploiting the system; rather, we are navigating it to provide for our child’s essential needs, just as you are not exploiting it by seeking a public school education for your children.

The United States prioritizes education, and citizens collectively contribute to this fundamental right. Why can’t we extend the same principle to create a healthier society that cares for its members who are ill or disabled? It is time to recognize and legislate health care as a basic human right. For those interested in more information about home insemination options, consider exploring resources like Make a Mom or their at-home insemination kit, which can provide valuable insights for prospective parents. For further reading on pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers comprehensive information that may be beneficial during your journey. Don’t forget to check out our other post on intracervical insemination for additional perspectives on conception methods.

In summary, while education is recognized as a universal right in America, the same cannot be said for health care. The disparities in access to appropriate medical care highlight a significant social injustice. It is imperative that we advocate for health care as a fundamental human right, just as we do for education, ensuring that all members of society receive the support and resources they need to thrive.