Dear Global Leaders, Friends, and Fellow Citizens,
“Education is not a privilege. Education is a right. Education is peace.” – Malala Yousafzai
“When it comes to inequality, nothing is more shocking and inhumane than injustice in health care.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
In America, education is held in high regard, and I’m no exception. We specifically chose our home for its reputable school district. My son, Lucas, who was born with a rare mitochondrial disorder, is thriving in a public school setting, thanks to federal laws that guarantee him a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in an environment tailored to his needs. For Lucas, that means a full-time classroom with specialized support.
However, “free” public education isn’t truly free. It’s funded by taxes that all citizens contribute to, regardless of whether they have children in the system. Everyone shares in the responsibility of educating children within the community.
I’ve never been told that Lucas isn’t entitled to an education. Why? Because, in the eyes of our society, K-12 education is a fundamental right for every American child. We collectively accept the costs associated with ensuring our children have access to quality education, modern technology, and skilled teachers.
Conversely, I have repeatedly been told that my child isn’t entitled to health care. Why is that? Health care is not viewed as a basic right in our society. Many people feel it’s unfair that their hard-earned money goes toward the medical expenses, therapies, and equipment Lucas requires to live a healthy life.
I’ve heard the narrative that my family is exploiting the system and should find a way to manage Lucas’s medical needs on our own.
So, why is education considered a right while health care is not?
Both the education and health care systems in America face significant challenges. Many schools are underfunded, and children in affluent neighborhoods often have access to better educational resources than those in lower-income areas. The push to privatize education, like the one proposed by former Secretary of Education, Sarah Johnson, threatens to widen these gaps, particularly for children with disabilities and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Yet, no one would deny education to children based solely on their family’s financial situation.
In our family, private schooling is not an option due to our income. Thankfully, public education is available for all three of my children, and financial status won’t limit their access to quality learning experiences.
The stark reality is, even with health insurance, the cost of Lucas’s medical needs far exceeds what we can afford. This holds true even if my partner earned double their current salary and I worked full-time. Our insurance covers some expenses, but without Medicaid, affording the remainder of Lucas’s care is impossible.
Currently, we are fortunate to have Medicaid through a waiver program that assists with costs our private insurance does not cover.
We are not exploiting the healthcare system, nor are we draining society by ensuring our child’s well-being, just as others aren’t robbing us by sending their kids to public schools. The United States has made a commitment to the education of its youth, and citizens recognize and support that investment. So, why can’t we extend the same principle to ensure that health care is accessible to everyone, including those with illnesses or disabilities? It’s time to recognize health care as a basic human right.
This article was originally published on July 10, 2023.
To dive deeper into the conversation about home insemination, visit this excellent resource on artificial insemination. For those navigating similar journeys, you can find shared experiences at Couples Experiences. And if you’re looking for an effective home insemination solution, check out our post on the BabyMaker Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit.
In summary, education is crucial to society, but health care should be just as valued. Let’s advocate for a system that acknowledges the right to health care for all.