13 WTHR - Indianapolis News |Doctors hold healthcare rally

Doctors hold healthcare rally

Kris Kirschner/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis -  As the Senate gets ready to vote on their healthcare plan, a downtown rally was held to sway Indiana lawmakers.

There is no question on which side of the healthcare debate the doctors at the rally stand.

"The only thing we don't need is government intervention," said a rally attender.

Dozens turned out to the Indiana War Memorial Saturday to show their opposition to Democrat-supported healthcare legislation.

For many, the debate is personal.

Dr. Cara Peggs, a member of Doctors for Patient Care explained, "I was mad they were trying to steal our profession. Take away our autonomy and give us no authority in our own profession."

Doctors and physicians are claiming their stake in the healthcare debate.

Representative  Dan Burton spoke at Saturday's rally. "People listen to their doctors and if their doctors say this is bad, they're going to pay attention," he said.

The rally is one of several in major cities across the country underscoring that the debate is not only on Capitol Hill but in and among the healthcare industry.

Just as there is an organized effort by those in white coats to block the current bill, there is a similar effort to see it passed.

Dr Andrew Loehrer, state director for Doctors for America said, "I think a public option not only increases access, but increases the competition and really requires private insurers to keep costs down."

Saturday's rally came on the same day of a Senate vote which could push the current legislation forward - something Republican congressman Dan Burton says the country simply can't afford.

"We're going to have to print the money, going to have to raise taxes if we're going down that path," Burton said.

As lawmakers decide whether to continue their debate, doctors on both sides hope they follow their advice and get a second opinion.