WHEREAS human life is of infinite value (Genesis 1:27) and preservation of life supersedes almost all other considerations (pikuah nefesh);
WHEREAS the revered rabbinic scholar and physician, Maimonides, taught that health care was a primary communal responsibility (Mishneh Torah Hilkhot De’ot 4:23);
WHEREAS the Shulkhan Arukh states, “Doctors are required to reduce their fees for the poor. Where that is still not sufficient the community should subsidize the patient.” (Yoreh Deah 249);