As a family physician and president of the
Massachusetts Medical Society, I am fearful. As a person who legally
immigrated to this great nation with my family, I am gravely concerned.
The proposed changes in rules related to families
and individuals deemed a “public charge” could have disastrous
consequences for the health and wellbeing of those who will be affected.
It is my belief and the unwavering policy of our organization’s 25,000 physicians and medical student members that we commit
to working for the best possible health care for every patient in the
Commonwealth regardless of racial identification, national or ethnic
origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation,
disability, immigration status, or economic status.
To
be clear, no person living in the United States should ever have to
defer medical treatment for fear that making use of safety net health
care programs will negatively impact their immigration status or, worse
yet, put in jeopardy their dreams and path to citizenship.
I can in some ways empathize with the angst and
uncertainty endured by those new to this country, but I cannot fathom
the fear that comes with not knowing where to turn for medical help. It
would devastate me to learn that one of my patients did not receive care
for no reason other than they were too scared to seek it.
The
Massachusetts Medical Society stands firmly in opposition of this
proposal and will continue to advocate doggedly to make certain it is
not implemented.
