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Doctors demand services for illegals

By PATRICIA GUTHRIE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/14/06
Doctors rallying Monday at the Capitol warned lawmakers that legislation aimed at denying state services to illegal immigrants may further strain overcrowded emergency rooms and endanger the health of all Georgians.

About 150 physicians, medical students and other health care workers labeled as "immoral" and "dangerous" proposals that would make it harder for some illegal immigrants to get publicly funded health care and called the bills an affront to their profession.

"It's morally reprehensible to be told who we can and cannot treat," said Dr. Bill Warren, a pediatrician and the director of Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta, which serves many uninsured and low-income families.

Senate Bill 529, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers, (R-Woodstock), would require that people age 18 or older show proof of residence when seeking public benefits. Emergency room care would not be affected, because federal law prohibits denying services to anyone needing emergency medical care.

The doctors said that "a climate of fear" would keep many undocumented adults from bringing in their children for vaccinations and other preventive care.

Rates of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, could also worsen among the general population, because some immigrants who have the disease would fear getting treatment, said Jessica Manning, a student at the Emory University School of Medicine.

After the rally, a sea of white coats then spread under the Gold Dome. Outside the Senate chamber, physicians gathered around Rogers, telling him they don't want to be put into a position of denying medical services and that it isn't their job to enforce immigration laws.

Rogers responded that illegal immigrants are not barred from purchasing medical care through their employers but that taxpayers should not have to foot the bill. He noted that many people in the country legally are also in need of medical care.

Staff writer Carlos Campos contributed to this article.