By: Sarah Thompson
Updated: July 10, 2023
Originally Published: July 10, 2023
Dear world leaders, dear friends,
“Education is not a privilege; it is a right. Education is peace.” – Malala Yousafzai
“Injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane of all forms of inequality.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Education holds immense value for most Americans, myself included. We specifically chose our neighborhood for its excellent school district. Our son, Liam, who was born with a progressive mitochondrial disorder, is currently thriving in a supportive public school environment. Federal legislation guarantees him a free and appropriate public education (FAPE), tailored to his unique needs. Thankfully, Liam is physically and medically able to attend a full-time class designed for students with special needs.
However, Liam’s education isn’t truly free. Texas public schools are funded through taxes, which everyone contributes to, regardless of whether they have children in the system. Every taxpayer, in some form, helps support public education and the various students benefiting from it.
I have never once been told that my son is not entitled to an education. Why? Because, in the American value system, education—at least from kindergarten through 12th grade—is recognized as a fundamental right. Generally, we all contribute willingly to ensure that our children receive quality education, complete with the latest technology and qualified educators.
I have never heard anyone claim our family is exploiting the system or should have planned better to afford Liam’s education ourselves. Yet, I have frequently been told that my child is not entitled to health care. Health care is often regarded as a privilege rather than a basic right in our society. Many view it as unjust if a portion of their hard-earned income goes toward the essential medical equipment, therapies, nursing care, and medications that Liam and others like him require to lead healthy lives.
I’ve encountered accusations that our family is a burden on society and that we should find a way to pay for Liam’s health care ourselves. Why does education receive recognition as a basic right while health care does not?
There’s a consensus that both the education and health care systems in the U.S. are failing. While some children enjoy the advantages of well-funded schools, others in lower-income areas are left with inadequate resources. The push toward privatizing education, as seen with recent proposals for school vouchers, threatens to exacerbate inequalities, particularly for children with disabilities.
On our current income, private schooling for our children isn’t an option. Thankfully, public schools provide an avenue for quality education. All three of my kids will eventually attend public school, and our financial situation won’t dictate how long they stay or what they learn.
Here’s the reality: I can’t afford all the health care Liam requires either. This remains true even if my husband had a higher salary and I worked full-time. While we do have health insurance (and face the same annual premium increases as many Americans), the out-of-pocket costs for Liam’s care that our insurance doesn’t cover far exceed our income. Without Medicaid, affording his necessary care would be impossible.
Fortunately, we currently have access to Medicaid through a waiver program, which helps cover the costs that private insurance won’t, costs that we could never manage alone.
We are not exploiting the system or draining society’s resources by ensuring our child’s survival, just as you aren’t taking advantage of the system by sending your kids to public school. The United States prioritizes child education, with citizens both contributing to and benefiting from that priority. So, why can’t we extend the same compassion to create a healthier society that cares for its sick and disabled members? Let’s start recognizing and treating health care as the fundamental human right that it is.
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Summary:
This article explores the disparity between the societal recognition of education as a fundamental right and the undervaluation of health care as a privilege. It highlights personal experiences with the education system and the challenges faced in securing adequate health care, particularly for those with disabilities. The author calls for a shift in perspective to recognize health care as a basic human right, parallel to education.
Keyphrase: Education and Health Care Rights
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