University of Rochester medical students gathered to protest a repeal of the Affordable Care Act. They are one of many groups of medical students across the country signing a petition to express opposition to an overhaul of the health care reform act without a meaningful replacement.
“Unfortunately, as health care providers we will only be as effective as the system we are a part of. That is why we stand together today, to voice our opposition to the changes that Congress wishes to make to the system,” said Michael Healey, a first year student who helped organize the event.
Across the country medical students are echoing this sentiment as part of a movement calling itself #ProtectOurPatients. The students are concerned that a repeal of the ACA without a significant replacement would cause Americans to lose health insurance.
“This is life or death, to me. I think about the thousands of people – some in poorer parts of our cities and communities – who cannot afford access to the care I’m training to provide, the care I want to give them,” Healey added.
The crowd at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry held moments of silence, too, to acknowledge the estimated 30 million Americans who some say may lose insurance.
“I have to take a step back and say, what can I do from a personal standpoint to make sure that people do have access to care?” said Jamal Jefferson, a second year medical student who attended the demonstration.
Medical students will hand deliver the petition to Congress, according to organizers.
