The Right to Health Care: Ideal or Imperative?

The purpose of this presentation is to increase the physcial therapist's understanding of the current concept of a "right to health care" and to explore the moral implications for physical therapy arising out of the various interpretations currently being advanced. The term "right" is used in two ways: 1) "freedom right," providing freedoms from certain types of interferences and 2) "entitlement rights," calling for positive action on the part of others. The right to health care is viewed as an entitlement right. As such, it has been variously interpreted as a praiseworthy ideal or an imperative upon society. The moral implications associated with accepting either position are briefly examined, giving special attention to the dilemmas and promises posed for physical therapists in both positions.