“Education is not a privilege; it is an essential right.” – Malala Yousafzai
“Among all the forms of inequality, disparities in health care are the most alarming and inhumane.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
As an American, I hold education in high regard, and it’s a value shared by many. My family chose our neighborhood primarily for its reputable school district. Our son, Ethan, who was born with a rare condition called Leigh syndrome, is currently thriving in a supportive public school environment. Federal law ensures Ethan has access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to his unique needs. For him, this means attending a school specializing in special education where he can receive the support he requires.
However, Ethan’s schooling isn’t truly free. Public education in Texas is funded by taxes—contributions made by every citizen. Whether or not an individual has a child in the public school system, they still pitch in to support the education of all children.
In our society, no one has ever suggested that Ethan doesn’t deserve an education. Why? Because, fundamentally, K-12 education is recognized as a basic right for all American children. Most of us willingly contribute to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn in an environment equipped with modern technology and skilled educators.
I have never been accused of taking advantage of the educational system or being a burden on society. Yet, I frequently hear that my child does not have the right to health care. Unlike education, health care is not universally recognized as a basic right in America. Many people view it as unjust when a portion of their hard-earned income goes toward the medical needs of children like Ethan, which include necessary treatments, therapies, and medications.
I often hear claims that my family is exploiting the system and should simply plan better to manage Ethan’s health care costs on our own. This raises an important question: why is education considered a fundamental right while health care is not?
It’s widely acknowledged that both our education and health care systems are in dire need of reform. Schools across the nation face significant funding challenges, and students in affluent areas often receive a superior education compared to those in lower-income communities. The recent push by Secretary of Education Mark Williams to privatize education through school vouchers could significantly harm children with disabilities, as well as those from underprivileged backgrounds. This is unequivocally unfair. Yet, no one is outright denied an education due to financial limitations, while the GOP’s approach to health care seems to reflect the opposite.
In our family’s situation, private schooling is not financially viable. Thankfully, public education is an option that ensures my three children can attend school regardless of our income level. Their educational opportunities won’t be dictated by our financial status.
The reality is, we cannot afford the comprehensive health care that Ethan requires. This truth stands even if my spouse earned double their current salary and I held a full-time job. We have health insurance, and like countless other families, we face annual premium increases. The expenses for Ethan’s care that our insurance does not cover far exceed our family’s budget. Without Medicaid assistance, affording his necessary treatments would be impossible.
Fortunately, we currently receive help through a Medicaid waiver program that covers costs our private insurance does not. We are not abusing the system or draining resources; we are simply striving to provide our child with a chance at life, just as you are not exploiting the system by sending your children to public school.
In the United States, education for our youth is prioritized, and citizens contribute to and benefit from this commitment. So why can’t we extend the same principle to health care, ensuring our society is healthier and compassionate towards those who are ill or disabled? It’s time to recognize and legislate health care as a fundamental human right.
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In summary, it is crucial that we reexamine our societal values regarding education and health care. Both are essential rights that should be accessible to every individual, regardless of their economic status.