A place for spiritual health care in America

By George Gregory

A guest column by Rita Swan in the Oct. 18 Gazette uses the title “bizarre health care policy” when referring to prayer for health. The writer misrepresents a proposal under consideration in health care legislation, suggesting that it would have the government forcing insurers to reimburse for prayer.

The proposal that writer is probably referring to is one clarifying that patients who choose spiritual care should not be discriminated against in bills moving toward universal health care. It is not a mandate, and it does not force anyone to pay for anything, though it may open the way for Iowans like me to be included rather than excluded.

I have seen hearings of allergies, periodontal disease, severe ear infection, high blood pressure, fevers, mobility problems and many other conditions in my family and others through consecrated prayer. Recently I threw away eyeglasses I had worn for more than 40 years and now drive for the first time in my life with no restriction on my license.

Many Iowans like me find spiritual care a way of living and living well.

The prayer-based, healing system I turn to is Christian Science, which has had a consistent record of healing for more than 130 years. It is a full system of care and healing through the power of God's love.

Professional health care workers include practitioners whose single vocation is helping others find the healing power of God's love. Christian Science nurses provide the care and comfort needed by those seeking health through prayer and nursing facilities exist in which care can be administered. The patient pays for the time and professional service from nurses, facilities and practitioners. Most importantly, healing is the result, as I have found.

Spiritual health care has a place in health care reform where there is an intent to cover everyone. Leaving it out would ignore an important health care option and a segment of the population that finds it effective. I applaud those members of Congress who have understood the value of caring for all of the citizens.

George Gregory is a Christian Science practitioner who represents Christian Science with the media and Legislature in Iowa. Contact him at Iowa@compub.org or (319) 621-2653; reference http://christianscience.com