The human rights concept is linked with equity in
health care both historically and philosophically. Equity
is an old concept, but only in this century has it been
proposed as a universal human right. Equity in effect
is joined with such basic Natural Law requirements for
decent human life as freedom from slavery and torture
and arbitrary arrest. It is on the same level as freedom of
speech and assembly and religion. Equity in health care is
included under the general concept of the right to equal
treatment under Law. The inclusion of equality among
the most basic human rights certainly puts the continuing campaign for equality in health care on firm ground.