The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Jeffrey Singer: Get Government Out of Health Care

15 snips
Apr 23, 2025
In a compelling discussion, surgeon and Cato Institute fellow Jeffrey Singer advocates for patient autonomy in health care, criticizing government overreach. He highlights how regulations like licensing laws and the FDA's drug approval monopoly hinder competition and innovation. Singer draws parallels between personal freedom and public health, exploring sensitive topics such as end-of-life choices and trans youth health care. With rich historical insights, he argues for a reimagined health care system that prioritizes individual choice.
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ANECDOTE

Mary Schloendorf's Autonomy Case

  • Mary Schloendorf resisted a doctor doing an examination under anesthesia without discussing the findings first.
  • She was operated on without consent, had complications, and successfully sued, establishing patient autonomy as legal precedent.
INSIGHT

Government Limits Health Autonomy

  • The government controls who can provide health care and what medicines you can take.
  • This control undermines patient autonomy, limiting their right to make personal health decisions.
INSIGHT

Libertarian View on Health Control

  • As a libertarian, Singer finds government control over health choices personally offensive.
  • Patients shouldn't need permission from doctors to take medicines or make health decisions.
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