The Supreme Court decision doesn’t address the fundamental flaws in the Affordable Care Act. The decision upheld the mandate that requires people to purchase healthcare.

For more than 40 years, we consistently advocated for universal healthcare — but one that kills no one and covers everyone. The Affordable Care Act fails in this regard.

Contrary to long standing federal policy, it allows for federal funds to pay for elective abortions; it doesn’t have the necessary language to protect rights of conscience (hence, the unprecedented violation of religious liberty of the mandate that would force religion-sponsored institutions to purchase a product that violates their conscience); and it excludes millions of immigrants from participation in the new exchanges created by the law, even if they were to purchase health services with their own money.

The Supreme Court decision in no way eliminates the urgent need to correct these fundamental flaws — for they undermine the Affordable Care Act’s stated goal of promoting access to basic life-affirming healthcare for everyone — especially for those who are most in need.

Most Rev. Thomas G. Wenski, Archbishop of Miami

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The decision of the Supreme Court to, in essence, uphold the heathcare law’s constitutionality is a great victory.

The fact that the court says the law’s authority comes not from the commerce clause, but from Congress’ taxing authority has no effect whatsoever.

The added opinion that states cannot be penalized for refusing to expand Medicaid also is virtually moot because the public will demand protection of our poor.

Just as the Republicans were warned not to spike a decision in their favor, Democrats should avoid gloating. The victory belongs to all of us.

Gerald Schwartz, Aventura

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The Miami Herald’s coverage of the Affordable Healthcare Act paid little attention to the fact that the implementation of the law will require the largest tax increase in American history.

At a time of a weak economy, this will result in more job layoffs and small businesses dropping insurance coverage for employees. Is this affordable?

Jerome S. Reich M.D., Miami

Obamacare has propelled the United States into, once again, being a member of the civilized world. We will no longer need to fear personal bankruptcy from becoming sick or involved in a terrible car accident. We will no longer need to ration food to afford prescription medicines. The fear of reaching your cap before you are better is gone, not to mention relief for people who are denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions.

For the Republicans I have one message: Put on your big-boy Depends and get busy rebuilding what the Bush crowd destroyed.

C. M. Van Ginkel, Miami

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Victory! This is a great and well-deserved win for President Obama and for Americans.

Martin Lederman, Parkland