CSE Key Vote YES on S. 2061

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the more than 300,000 members of Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE), I urge you to vote YES on S. 2061, the “Healthy Mothers and Healthy Babies Access to Care Act.” While CSE’s ultimate goal is medical liability reforms for all patients and all physicians, we support S. 2061, which covers obstetrical care only, as a step forward.

The trial lawyers have turned America’s justice system into a “lawsuit lottery”—where the trial lawyers are the big winners, and the rest of us get to foot the bill. For example, the American Medical Association says that 19 states are now in crisis because of skyrocketing insurance premiums. These premiums—which now often exceed $200,000 a year—are driving up health care costs and driving some doctors out of business entirely.

S. 2061 sets limits on the size of non-economic damage awards. Similar reforms have stabilized liability premiums for all physicians in the state of California for more than 25 years.

The ultimate goal is comprehensive medical malpractice reform (S.11), and as a step towards S. 11, I urge you to support S. 2061 to protect obstetricians. CSE will count the vote as a KEY VOTE to be reported to our members in your state. This KEY VOTE will be used to determine your eligibility for our Jefferson Award, to be presented at the conclusion of the 108th Congress. This award is provided to those legislators who espouse the principles of limited government, lower taxes, and economic liberty.

Sincerely,
Paul Beckner

President
Citizens for a Sound Economy