RSC Republican Study Committee

Washington, Nov 6 - Yesterday, President Obama went out of his way to tout the American Medical Association’s (AMA) support for the current House version of Obamacare. (Which, by the way, is dependent on inclusion of a $210 billion “Doc Fix” the Democrats can’t find a way to pay for.)

Clearly the White House wants to spread the narrative that doctors support this government takeover of health care. But not so fast.

“The Ohio State Medical Association, which represents a majority of doctors in Ohio, this afternoon announced its opposition to the current health care reform bill working its way rapidly through the U.S. House of Representatives.” (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 11/04/09)

“The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) says that it is disappointed with the American Medical Association’s (AMA) support for H.R. 3962, according to MAG President Gary C. Richter, M.D.”

“Dr. Richter adds that MAG is part of a coalition of state medical and national specialty societies that represents nearly 50,000 practicing physicians from across the U.S. that opposes a public health insurance option and the expansion of government control into medical care.” (MAG.org, 11/06/09)

“Next weekend, a dissident group of medical specialty societies and state delegations plans to try to force the AMA to drop its support for the health overhaul through a resolution that calls the legislation crafted so far ‘anathema to doctors and patients.’ The resolution, to be considered at a semiannual AMA meeting in Houston, calls on the group to oppose any deal that includes a public option, among other items, or one that doesn't contain malpractice changes.” (AP, 10/28/09)

“The American College of Surgeons and 19 other groups representing surgeons delivered a letter Wednesday stating their opposition to the Senate's healthcare reform legislation.” (The Hill, 11/04/09)