Islamic Information Center - IIC Supports Healthcare Reform as Positive "First Step"

(WASHINGTON DC -- MARCH 22, 2010) Healthcare is an essential human right, and was exemplified in the governments of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali (May God Bless Them). The Prophet and Imam Ali made sure that all the sick and destitute were well cared for, and were exemplars in helping uplift society. All people are entitled to having their health needs addressed, regardless of race, class, gender, age, or religion. All American residents, and indeed all people around the world, should have access to safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare. The focus of such services should be preventative. Leaving the sick untreated has devastating economic, social, and moral costs. Lofty American values should not allow the sick to suffer because of lack of means. Untreated illness and insufficient prevention threaten all Americans’ health and livelihood. It is therefore incumbent on all Americans to create systems to provide for all residents’ needs. Accordingly, IIC applauds the passage of the healthcare reform bill as a positive first step in the direction of the teachings of the Holy Prophet and his divine family.

Sunday night, Congress passed HR 3590, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” a bill that will bring insurance to over 30 million Americans, ban insurance companies from discriminating based on pre-existing conditions, and allow students to stay on their parents plan until the age of 26. These are only a few of the changes that this historic social legislation will put into place. Although it is still unclear how new programs will be funded and what types of tax increases will be put into place, IIC sees this as a good first step towards our policy perspective in achieving healthcare for all Americans.

Since 2002, the Islamic Information Center (IIC) has been making waves throughout the country. The center was founded to project a positive image of Islam on three main platforms in order to change perceptions and build bridges. This can be accomplished by establishing interfaith connections; portraying a positive and accurate image of Islam in the print, radio, television, and Internet news media; and providing elected officials and government agencies with an authentic representation of Islam based upon the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad and His Holy Progeny (Ahlul Bayt) - May God Bless Them All.