Posted by
Ron Devito on Friday, November 20, 2009 5:58:12 AM
Following is the complete transcript of Governor Palin's Facebook post
on cancer screenings, why cancers specific to women receive
sub-standard attention, and the relation of screenings to the current
health care debate:
It was a breath of fresh air to finally hear the Democrats
admit to their health care bill as “a lot of show and tell and
razzmatazz,” (see Democrat talking points, in reference to my book). At
least now we’re all on the same page when discussing the problems with
their monstrous government health care “reform” plan (Palin, 2009, ¶1).
Now, tonight, more disconcerting news – the New York Times reports of
new guidelines to scale back cervical cancer screenings. The
recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists comes on the heels of another recommendation to limit
breast cancer screenings with mammograms. There are many questions
unanswered for me, but one which immediately comes to mind is whether
costs have anything to do with these recommendations. The current
health care debate elicits great concern because of its introduction of
socialized medicine in America and the inevitable rationed care. We
need to carefully watch this debate as it coincides with Capitol Hill’s
debate and determine whether we are witnessing the early stages of that
rationed care before the Senate bill is rushed through as well (Palin,
2009, ¶2).
Another question is why these women-focused cancers are seemingly
receiving substandard attention at a time when proactive health and
fitness should be the message. Every woman should encourage rigorous
debate to ensure that our collective voices are heard. We are paying
attention to Washington’s health care proposals, and we want to hear
what helps patients the most (Palin, 2009, ¶3).
We need answers: Is early screening not saving lives? Why do doctors’
groups disagree? Did costs play any role in these decisions to change
the recommendations on breast and cervical cancer screenings? We need
assurances that everything we’ve heard this week about fewer tests for
women’s cancers is a result of patient-focused research and providing
the best care for the right reasons, and not because of bureaucratic
pressure to control costs (Palin, 2009, ¶4).
Obviously the first thought that comes to mind when hearing of these
new recommendations from bureaucratic panels is “rationed care.” It’s
fair – and healthy – to ask if that’s what Washington has in mind with
a government-controlled takeover of a health care system (Palin, 2009,
¶5).
- Sarah Palin
References:
Palin, S. L. H. (2009, November 20). "Cancer screenings: Rational advice or rationed care?" Facebook, Sarah Palin. Retrieved November 20, 2009 from: http://www.facebook.com/sarahpalin#/notes/sarah-palin/cancer-screenings-rational-advice-or-rationed-care/178333423434