Students in an economics class at Urbana High School conducted a debate on Wednesday about the pros and cons of universal health care.

There were two groups in favor of universal health care and two opposed from Patsy Monts’ class.

With health a focus of concern for President Barack Obama, Monts said she was inspired to give students more background on the questions that have been raised. The class watched Obama’s speech on health care and then researched the topic.

For some students, this project gave clarity to the distinct points argued on each side.

“I was pro (universal) health care before, but working on this debate was a kind of reinforcement to my beliefs. It makes me see both sides more fully,” said Cody Bralts, a senior fighting pro universal health care.

Debaters talked about the efficiency of the current health care system, the effect Obama’s plan will have on the economy if implemented, and the mortality rates of citizens with and without health care.

Following the debate there was an open discussion in which students touched on how reasonable a plan would be in a democratic society and whether medical treatment could maintain the same quality in a universal health care system.

Though the debate introduced many students to the principals of health care, others came into the event with background knowledge. Shelby Stevenson, a junior arguing against universal health care, is the granddaughter of United States Representative Tim Johnson, R-15.

“I get an insider’s opinion on the issue and see different responses from their respective points of view,” Stevenson said.

Shelby said the debate is a first step for the youth of America to not only give their two-cents, but to also hear the opinions of the opposing side.

Students proposed the formation of a committee, representation and participation of the youth in town meetings, and listening more completely to unbiased media in order to learn more about health care.

“Instead of looking at strictly one source of media, taking in news sources with multiple views can really help [the youth] understand health care more,” Kori McGraw says, junior arguing for universal health care.

UHS hope to continue debates in order to introduce controversial topics to students.

“Before this assignment, I had no idea what the health care debate was all about,” McGraw said. With the research done now, it really helped me to get an understanding to see both sides with clarity.”