The Catholic Church has long supported genuine health care reform. This position draws upon a moral tradition that recognizes health care as a basic human right and from our experience as providers of health care across the nation. Congress, however, must address three essential issues.

First, the legislation must exclude mandated coverage for abortion, incorporate federal policies against abortion funding and protect conscience rights. In addition, the legislation should not force people to pay for other people's abortions. This is the long-standing policy of North Dakota and is supported by most Americans. Sen. Kent Conrad respected the wishes of his constituents and supported amendments to remedy this problem. Unfortunately, not enough of his colleagues on the Senate Finance Committee agreed with this sensible approach.

Second, the legislation should make quality health care affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly the poor and vulnerable. The ultimate test of reform is whether it helps those without adequate coverage, not whether it helps those who can afford it. Unfortunately, the proposed plans impose financial burdens on low-income and moderate-income families, and those families with significant and chronic illnesses.

Third, reform must ensure that legal immigrants have equitable access to health care coverage. Legal immigrants work hard and pay taxes. Leaving them outside a reformed system is both unfair and unwise. Legislation should make legal immigrants and their families eligible for subsidies according to the same criteria applicable to citizens as well as repeal the five-year ban for legal immigrants to access Medicaid.

Let us hope Congress chooses real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all and does not let this opportunity needlessly slip away.

(Christopher Dodson is the executive director and general counsel of the North Dakota Catholic Conference.)