A "Right for Every American:" Understanding the Concept of a "Human Right to Health" in the Context of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Abstract
This project examines the role that the concept of a “human right to health” played
in the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It analyzes
this topic through the study of speeches made by President Obama and a study of the
media through a selection of newspaper op-ed pieces and radio news stories. Key speeches
made by candidate Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign were also considered
to provide greater context for the health care reform debate.
The concept of a “human right to health” played a minimal role in the media during
the health care reform debate. Instead, the media discussion emphasized the financial
needs and potential implications of reform. Media coverage also chronicled political
components of the debate, in addition to a variety of divisive sub-issues.
Yet, an “American right” to health played an important role in the rhetorical arc
President Obama employed in order to secure the passage of the PPACA. President Obama
utilized two key frameworks to discuss health care reform: namely, an American values
and responsibilities framework and a financial framework. He adjusted his rhetoric
and policy framing strategies according to his audience: the American Public or Congress.
Ultimately both frameworks were necessary in order to pass the PPACA. This research
has implications for the President’s continued health care work as he and other leaders
work to implement the PPACA. It is also relevant to future health care reform efforts
and human rights activism at both national and state levels.
Description
Honors Thesis in Public Policy
Type
Honors thesisDepartment
Public Policy StudiesSubject
Human right to healthright to health
health policy
health care reform
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
Barack Obama
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https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6211Citation
Wilmarth, Victoria (2012). A "Right for Every American:" Understanding the Concept of a "Human Right to Health"
in the Context of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Honors thesis, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6211.Collections
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