Most Americans understand that limits on medical malpractice lawsuits would reduce health care costs. We believe most members of Congress realize that, too. But too many liberal lawmakers don't want to legislate medical malpractice reform because it would upset some of their most staunch supporters - trial lawyers.
According to an Associated Press poll, 54 percent of Americans agree with limits on malpractice lawsuits. Only 32 percent disagree, with the remainder undecided.
In both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, liberals have been reluctant to include malpractice reform in health care bills. A look at many of the lawmakers' campaign finance reports reveals why: Trial lawyers are very active in supporting favored candidates with contributions.
Malpractice reform, such as that approved in West Virginia a few years ago, preserves the rights of patients who have suffered from health care mistakes, while limiting the outrageously high awards that add noticeably to health care costs. The only reason many liberal lawmakers oppose such limits is their concern about offending deep-pockets contributors.