Faith-Based Investors Applaud U.S. Supreme Court's Reaffirmation of the Affordable Care Act

Citing Access and Affordability as an Immutable Human Right, Members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility Welcome Resolution of the Legislation's Standing

NEW YORK, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, a faith-based shareholder coalition that has long advocated for health care reform, celebrate the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutionality of the major provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) first enacted in March of 2010.

The investors, many representing hospital systems and health care organizations, have been actively engaging companies in the health care industry for over 20 years to promote greater equality, access and affordability of health care services for our nation's citizens.

"As stated in our Principles for Domestic Health Care, first published in 2008 in support of this historic legislation, 'We regard health care and the right to security during sickness as an immutable human right.' In upholding ACA today, the Supreme Court upholds the human rights of millions and sets us firmly on a course to work towards an improved system that benefits all Americans," said Laura Berry, Executive Director of ICCR.

Ed Gerardo of Bon Secours Health Systems, Inc. said, "As people of faith, we are called to address the injustices of the current health care system. As investors and professionals working in the field, we are called to address its inefficiencies. While not perfect, the ACA begins the necessary reformation of a broken system that excludes millions of our most vulnerable citizens and is unsustainably expensive. We are eager to support its full implementation beginning in 2014."

Said Sr. Susan Vickers of Dignity Health and Chair of ICCR's board,"Our health as a society pales in comparison to that of citizens of other nations and the industry is plagued with issues, from fragmentation and uncoordinated care to misaligned incentives and poor evidence of effectiveness across treatment options. The reforms ACA brings to the industry are meaningful and hopefully the beginning of a more just and affordable program for all Americans."

ICCR members also see the Supreme Court's decision as a check on corporate influence over government and the U.S.  judicial system. Said Berry, "Given the relentless assault on ACA by corporate interests like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which invested tens of millions lobbying to challenge the law and punish elected officials who supported it, we are heartened that the Supreme Court has cast their vote for the American people."

About the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR):

Currently celebrating its 41st year, ICCR is the pioneer coalition of active shareholders who view the management of their investments as a catalyst for change.  Its 300 member organizations with over $100 billion in AUM have an enduring record of corporate engagement that has demonstrated influence on policies promoting justice and sustainability in the world.

SOURCE Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility