Will Grigg's Liberty Minute

February 28, 2008

Debbie Hirst of London suffers from an aggressive form of breast cancer. Britain?s National Health Service is unwilling to provide her with Avastin, a cancer drug widely in use here in the U.S. and elsewhere. Debbie decided to raise $120,000 to pay for the Avastin, while continuing her government-subsidized treatment.

After raising $20,000, Debbie was told by her doctor that if she paid for the Avastin, she would have to pay the total costs of her treatment. Of course, as a taxpayer, she?s already paid for Britain?s socialized medical system. But as the New York Times observes, allowing her to buy additional treatment ?would violate the philosophy of the health service?.?

That ?philosophy? dictates that British patients belong to the State, and can only receive treatments that the State deems fit and equitable ? at whatever price to their individual health.

This is something to bear in mind when we hear exhortations to nationalize our own health care system.

Let us take back the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free.