November 3, 2022
Feast Day of St. Martin de Porres
In the upcoming November 8, 2022 election, South Dakota voters will be asked to decide a ballot question entitled Amendment D, “An initiated amendment to the South Dakota Constitution expanding Medicaid eligibility.”
We believe that access to adequate and affordable health care is crucial for protecting the dignity of every human person. We also acknowledge that the economic, political, and philanthropic means through which this goal may be achieved are complex.
Catholics acting in good faith may reach different conclusions as to which policies are most efficacious for assisting those who lack access to health care. The laity must exercise their prudential judgement in deciding the question of Amendment D. While Catholics can have legitimate disagreements about the particulars of health care policy, all the faithful should feel a sense of moral urgency to fulfill the command of Christ to “cure the sick” (Matthew 10:8).
Let us pray that our elected officials at the state and federal level will be endowed with wisdom and compassion as they work to make needed reforms to our health care system. Let us also pray that lay people with expertise will develop innovative solutions to control the costs of health care and better serve those who cannot afford the care they need. Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us.
The Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood, Bishop of Sioux Falls
The Most Reverend Peter M. Muhich, Bishop of Rapid City