Miss USA Says Health Care Is a Privilege

On Sunday, Kara McCullough from Washington D.C. was crowned the new Miss USA. As a scientist who works for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, McCullough, 25, received praise for her answers regarding women in science and technology. However, one answer, to a question about health care, drew a passionate and mixed reaction from viewers.

When asked if she thinks affordable health care for all U.S. citizens is a right or a privilege, McCullough replied:

I’m definitely going to say it’s a privilege. As a government employee, I’m granted health care. And I see firsthand that for one, to have health care, you need to have jobs, so therefore we need to continue to cultivate this environment so that we’re given the opportunities to have health care as well as jobs for all Americans worldwide.

“I’m definitely going to say it’s a privilege.” Listen to your new #MissUSA talk about healthcare in the USA. pic.twitter.com/CzPBeaTYHO

— Miss USA (@MissUSA) May 15, 2017

Some people supported Miss USA’s statement, sharing her association of jobs with health care.

YAS Miss DC, you go girl. One of my favorite questions regarding healthcare and I couldn’t have answered it better myself! #MissUSA

— Tianna Vanderhei (@TiannaVanderhei) May 15, 2017

Oh No! Miss USA actually has a brain, and realizes that you need to have jobs to get healthcare. No Free Rides.. Get off your asses and work

— Matt Couch (@RealMattCouch) May 15, 2017

Good ???????? answer ???????? District of Columbia ???????????????????????? healthcare is a privilege, not a right ???????? #MissUSA

— Jamie Bates (@JaiBaiBai) May 15, 2017

Not everyone was on board, however, noting that not all people living with health conditions can work.

@cmarkcarroll @MissUSA What a heartless thing to say. People get bad disease all the time that has nothing to do with how that took care of themselves.

— Dark And Dusky (@DarkandDusky) May 15, 2017

Congrats to the new Miss USA (Miss District Of Columbia) but no healthcare should be a right NOT a privilege. Not everyone can work, girl

— Michele in NYC (@RebelWheelsNYC) May 15, 2017

Dang I wanted Miss D.C to win but I’m sorry affordable health care is not a privilege. Health care should be a human right! #MissUSA

— Kandacy Adams (@_KandKand) May 15, 2017

DC just lost my vote. Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege for only people with jobs.#MissUSA pic.twitter.com/QMlAR24EiC

— mollie (@mollie64438390) May 15, 2017

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.