Congressman Raul Labrador wrote in his December Health Care Update that “our health care system is the world’s best.”

I am a former RN, previously denied health-care coverage or affordable premiums due to a preexisting condition. Additionally, in my 30 years’ experience in health-care professions I have seen the impact of our health-care system on others. Uninsured college students, underemployed, unemployed, self-employed, widowed, those earning enough to pay bills but not enough for health insurance premiums are among nearly 50 million Americans who lack health-care coverage or affordable access.

What we have is, in effect health-care rationing with approximately 45,000 Americans dying yearly as a result (1 every 12 minutes). The U.S. ranks 46th in infant mortality, 28th in longevity, with 62 percent of bankruptcies medically related in a recent Harvard study (75 percent filed by working, insured citizens). We have the world’s most expensive health care with the poorest outcomes among developed nations.

The current Health Care Reform is not the answer. It is unaffordable for many, and constitutionality is questionable. Nor do I believe it is the responsibility of business alone, if at all, to provide health-care coverage to Americans; it IS the responsibility of a sane and civilized government. Study of various systems in other countries paired with American creativity and innovation can improve America’s health.

Stop the killing. Make fair, affordable, universal access to preventive and necessary health care a priority.

KATHY HEINZEN

Bayview