Our Declaration of Independence contains the much quoted phrase, “We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal and independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent and inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This sentence was originally written by Thomas Jefferson in the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” survived the editing process and was ratified by Congress.

Try as I might, I am unable to find a constitutional right to affordable healthcare. Nowhere do I find an explicit right to health care. The Supreme Court has never interpreted the Constitution as guaranteeing a right to health care services from the government. And interestingly enough, the Supreme Court has held that the government has an obligation to provide medical care for prisoners. I leave you to draw your own conclusions. [Read more…]