If Republicans and right-wing talking heads had their way, the only "women's issue" up for discussion in relation to health care reform would be how to best circumvent a woman's right to choose. While that has gotten a great deal of attention, more and more news outlets are picking up on the myriad of other problems associated with women's health care today.
Earlier today, USA Today published a story examining the other health care issues women face, including the practice by many insurance companies of charging women more than men for comparable plans as well as their use of the term "pre-existing condition" to describe anything from giving birth via a Cesarean section to being a victim of domestic violence. The article draws quotes from many groups and indiviuduals fighting for women's health care, including Senator Barbara Mikulski, who spoke last week at a press conference on this very issue.
In other good news, lawmakers in Oklahoma decided not to wait for Congress to pass health care reform: they've moved to forbid the practice of labeling domestic violence a pre-existing condition in their state. Democratic state Rep. Eric Proctor and Republican state Sen. Randy Brogdon are working together to produce legislation they plan on introducing when the state Legislature convenes in February.
"Regardless of party, everyone can agree that this is the right thing to do. Our moral obligation to protect life demands action," said Proctor. "Our mothers, sisters, and daughters depend on us to do the right thing. They need not worry about being denied insurance coverage when they are trying to rebuild their lives."
North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm said he is planning to seek similar changes to the insurance law in his state as well.
When looking at all of these actions, it's important to remember the part you played in making women's health care a national issue. Earlier this month, when SEIU broke the fact that domestic violence can be categorized as a pre-existing condition in eight states and DC, you sent over 5,000 letters to Congress, helping catapult this issue to national prominence practically over night.
But, the fight it not over. We need to keep the momentum going and finish what we started.
