Introduction
The US Supreme Court is currently hearing landmark arguments in what will be a key decision affecting the future of the nation's healthcare reform plans.
Although there's plenty of speculation about the outcome, many physicians on both sides of the fence have strong opinions about what the decision should be. Medscape polled physicians about their attitudes toward the key issues; it's not surprising that emotions were heated.
Do you think it is or is not constitutional for the US government to require individuals to purchase healthcare insurance or else pay a penalty?
44% - Yes, it is constitutional 56% - No, it is not constitutional
This issue is hotly debated among some of the nation's top legal scholars as well as politicians with a keen interest and high stakes in its outcome. A majority of respondents feel that it is beyond the scope of the government to compel its citizens to purchase a particular product.
Said one physician respondent, "This is not the way to reform healthcare. It neither gets to the roots of the problem nor is it constitutional for the US government to impose this kind of mandate on its citizens."
Challengers claim that the provision violates the Commerce Clause, which gives Congress broad authority to regulate interstate commerce.
