Whereas, “The right to health is a fundamental part of our human rights and of our understanding of a life in dignity. The right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health”

Whereas, “Recognizing that human rights are the universal rights of all human beings, regardless of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status, this resolution reaffirms the inalienable right to health as a fundamental human right”

Whereas, this resolution reaffirms the universality of human rights and the fundamental right to healthcare for every human being. It underscores the legal and moral obligations of CFT to ensure universal access to quality physical and mental healthcare services and address the root causes of healthcare inequities. By embracing and prioritizing equity, dignity, and justice, we can collectively realize the right to healthcare for all.

Whereas, CFT is committed to the rights and access to healthcare including physical and mental health. This includes recognizing the essential and interrelated elements that make this right fundamental: availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality. Each element is indispensable to ensuring equity and comprehensive access to physical and mental healthcare for all individuals.

Whereas, the recent Dobbs decision has limited access to birth control, voluntary abortion and other aspects of healthcare for women and people with uteruses.

Whereas, CFT firmly believes that individuals have the right to autonomy over their health and bodies, including sexual, and reproductive rights, and the right to be free from interference, this includes the right to access quality physical and mental health and services without any discrimination.

Therefore, be it finally resolved, CFT will:

1. Assist employees to uphold their rights to secure healthcare education and healthcare access, including rights and benefits with the right to access quality physical and mental health and services without any discrimination;
2. Elevate and advocate for conditions that enhance the quality and integrity of professional services in healthcare education and access to healthcare;
3. Promote policies that empower historically marginalized groups who are at risk of losing access to basic healthcare services, including safe and affordable reproductive rights such as abortions; and
4.  Continue advocating for policies and legislation that prioritize access to healthcare and address root causes of health disparities, including socio-economic inequality, stigma, and discriminations based on gender, sexual orientation, and other factors.

Submitted by the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Committee