Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The question of health care being a constitutional right has been raised by advocates of the Affordable Care Act. Both Reps. Nancy Pelosi and Sheila Jackson Lee have declared that this right is implied in either the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence, confusing the documents, their origin and even date of adoption. This right does not exist in either document.

There is, however, a constitution which explicitly outlines such a right. Article 42 of the Constitution (Fundamental Law) of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (1977) reads: “Citizens of the USSR have the right to health protection. This right is ensured by free, qualified medical care provided by state health institutions; by extension of the network of therapeutic and health-building institutions; by the development and improvement of safety and hygiene in industry; by carrying out broad prophylactic measures; by measures to improve the environment; by special care for the hea...