“Education is not a privilege. Education 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.
Many Americans place immense importance on education, myself included. We selected our neighborhood based on its school district and the quality of local schools. My son, Oliver, who has a rare genetic condition, is flourishing in a public school setting. Federal law ensures that Oliver receives a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to his unique needs. His experience in a specialized classroom illustrates how education adapts to fit each child’s requirements.
While Oliver’s education is labeled as “free,” it is funded by taxes that everyone contributes to. Whether or not someone has children in the public school system, they still partake in financing the educational opportunities available to all children in the community.
I have never heard that my son is not entitled to an education. Why? Because in the United States, education (especially K-12) is viewed as a fundamental right. Most people willingly contribute to ensure that our collective youth receive quality education that includes access to the latest technology and skilled teachers.
However, the narrative shifts dramatically when it comes to health care. I frequently hear that my child doesn’t have a right to health care. This is not seen as a basic entitlement in our society. Many people feel that contributing a portion of their income for the medical needs of children like Oliver is unjust.
I’ve been accused of exploiting the system, being a burden on society, and even advised to plan better to afford Oliver’s medical care independently.
So, why is education universally accepted as a right while health care remains contentious?
There is a consensus that both education and health care systems in the United States are flawed. Schools in disadvantaged areas are often underfunded, and children in affluent neighborhoods typically receive superior educational opportunities. Current policies, like those proposed by Secretary of Education, aim to privatize education through vouchers, which could disproportionately harm students with disabilities and those from low-income families. Yet, unlike health care, education is not denied to impoverished children simply due to financial constraints.
Our family relies on public schooling since private education is beyond our means. Thankfully, public schools provide an option for all three of my children without financial barriers dictating their years of education.
The reality is that we cannot afford the necessary health care for Oliver either. This truth holds even if my husband’s salary doubled and I had a full-time job. We have health insurance, yet the costs of Oliver’s care that are not covered by our plan exceed our financial means. Without Medicaid assistance, we would be unable to afford his essential treatments.
At present, we are fortunate that Medicaid, through a waiver program, helps cover the costs that our private insurance does not. We are not exploiting the system or draining resources; we are advocating for our child’s right to live a healthy life, just as others benefit from public education.
The United States prioritizes the education of its youth, and citizens collectively bear the costs of that commitment. So, why can’t we extend the same principle to health care? It is time we recognize health care as a basic human right deserving of the same societal support as education.
For those interested in the topic of home insemination, I encourage you to check out this article on artificial insemination kits. Another valuable resource is the information available at resolve.org on intrauterine insemination. You can also explore this comprehensive home insemination kit from Make a Mom for further insights.
In conclusion, it’s crucial that we advocate for both education and health care as fundamental rights so that all children, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive in society.
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