Any discussion we have on health care reform must include a real commitment to improving the lives of American women. Women’s health is fundamental to our country’s health because women are small business owners and entrepreneurs; they are educators and doctors and CEOs. And as mothers and grandmothers, women are often also the health care decision makers for our families.
It is of utmost importance that national health reform legislation makes a real difference in the lives of American women, across their lifespan.
Women are among those most severely disadvantaged in our current health system. Right now, health insurance companies discriminate against women solely on the basis of their gender. Right now, it’s legal in many states for health insurance companies to charge women higher premiums—or deny coverage all together—if they have a history of domestic violence.
Instead of providing the care and support that victims need in order to get out of abusive situations and stay healthy, health insurance companies punish them. Thisis simply immoral and unacceptable.
It’s also unbelievable to me that, in this day and age, we allow insurance companies to charge women more for health insurance simply because of the fact that they may become pregnant.
Fortunately, when we pass national health reform, we will begin a new era in women’s health. For the first time ever, women will have access to comprehensive health benefits, including maternity care- -without having to pay more than their male counterparts. This is a huge step forward for justice in our country, and it’s one of the most important reasons why we must pass health reform this year.
Senator Al Franken (D-MN)
Washington DC
Leave a Reply