During this national healthcare debate, one issue that I believe needs to be reinforced is the right to privacy. I hold fast to the notions that my doctor is going to provide me with unbiased and complete medical advice, and that my relationship with my healthcare provider remains confidential. In South Carolina, these may not always ring true.
South Carolina lawmakers can limit the amount of information and options that your doctor can say to you. This restricts the physician’s ability to share all the options and help patients make informed decisions about their health. Lawmakers can also mandate what a doctor must say, and the required information is not always science-based, and can be misleading. These laws, known as “Biased Counseling” laws, are a huge government intrusion into our healthcare system, limit the physician-patient relationship, and restrict the doctor from doing their job: providing the most appropriate and safest medical advice.
My medical history may not always remain confidential. South Carolina policymakers have been attempting to pass legislation that could create a situation where our medical records would be open to the public. Privacy is a basic human right, especially in health care. Without a guaranteed right of privacy in medical records, women across the state will not feel safe asking certain questions or making tough choices. They will question even seeking out medical attention. Protecting patient-provider confidentiality is a critical component of our healthcare system.
These issues and more are debated every session at the Statehouse. One reason why bills like these haven’t been successful is that the people of South Carolina have spoken up, and communicated with their representatives. They’ve sent word that we won’t stand for this massive intrusion into our healthcare. Stand with us now buy joining the Virtual March, and lend your voice to this fight.
Tags: Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, Susan Romaine, TTWomen, Virtual March
Let’s stand together and get some privacy! Join the March today there is only 2 weeks left!!!! http://www.tellthemsc.org
It is so ridiculous that we even have to worry about this. My body, my rights. No one elses! Come on, South Carolina!