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WCC Public Policy Positions: Support Healthy Lifestyles
Here we elaborate on each of the WCC's 2023 Public Policy Positions. The complete document can be found below. You can learn more about Catholic Social Teaching on the USCCB website.
Support Healthy Lifestyles. Alcohol and drug abuse, smoking, and unhealthy diets take a huge toll, not only on individuals, but also on society. Wisconsin must promote health and responsible choices to provide greater health support for all those struggling with addiction and other destructive behaviors.
In our state, many are suffering from the ongoing opioid epidemic, alcoholism, other forms of addiction, and unhealthy diets and lifestyles. As the Catechism states, “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2288). Yet, we cannot let physical health become an idol. We must reject the temptation to promote the “cult of the body” and “idolize physical perfection” (CCC 2289).
Rather, as individuals, we must respect the gift of our bodies and physical health. “The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine” (CCC 2290). A healthy lifestyle is not just one free from addiction. Individuals must have adequate access to nutritious and affordable food, the ability to exercise and have leisure, and quality healthcare.
As a community, we have a duty to honor and assist families and neighbors by ensuring a healthy lifestyle including “the protection of security and health, especially with respect to dangers like drugs, pornography, alcoholism, etc.” (CCC 2211).
As Pope Francis said, “Fighting addictions calls for a combined effort on the part of various local groups and agencies in enacting social programs promoting health care, family support and especially education” (Pope Francis to International Conference on Drugs and Addictions, December 2018). Pope Francis has also stated, “One has to say ‘yes’ to life, ‘yes’ to love, ‘yes’ to others, ‘yes’ to education, ‘yes’ to greater job opportunities. If we say ‘yes’ to all these things there will be no room for illicit drugs, for alcohol abuse, for other forms of addiction” (Pope Francis to Participants in the 31st International Drug Enforcement Conference, June 2014 [translated]).
Those struggling with these addiction and unhealthy lives should not be vilified, but rather given the support they need to recover and thrive. Addiction, in particular, can be difficult to overcome on one’s own. Yet, through family and community support, treatment and diversion programs, and adequate resources, individuals can achieve true freedom from addiction and make positive and meaningful changes to their lives. Wisconsin should be a state where it is possible for all to lead healthy lives.
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