A Memorial Day Tribute to Women

As we gear up to celebrate Memorial Day, The National Women’s History Museum is urging us to remember the contributions women have made to this national holiday. Watch their mini-documentary to learn how women shaped the holiday and the nation. ACNM is a member of the National Women’s History Museum Coalition, comprised of women’s and girls’ organizations representing over 8.5 million members.

Women Would Be Better Off If Reform Passes

While President Obama and congressional Democrats discuss the public option and the absence of bipartisan support for health care reform, a front-page article in Monday’s edition of Politico proposes that highlighting the particular importance of proposed reforms to women may be the key to successful reform.

Women have a lot to gain if health reform legislation passes. Protections mentioned in the article include:

• Guaranteed maternity care
• Elimination of higher insurance premiums for women
• Protection from being denied coverage due to “pre-existing conditions” like cesarean section or domestic violence
  

Despite these protections that would address gender discrimination in health care, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that women are no more likely than men to think they “would be better off if reform passed.” According to the article, the problem is that women simply don’t know what is in the legislation for them.

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) shared his perspective on just how monumental health care reform would be for women:

"Brown described the elimination of gender discrimination in health care as an historic advance comparable to landmark legislation prohibiting unequal treatment between men and women in employment, education and sports."

Do you know what’s in health care reform legislation for women? Learn more in an update from ACNM Federal Lobbyist Patrick Cooney or listen to his audiocast.

Midwives are Women’s Health Heroes

Out of nearly 100 nominees from 12 countries, the midwives of Fair Haven Community Health Center Midwifery Group won OBOS Pick for the 2009 Our Bodies, Ourselves Women’s Health Heroes Awards. These midwives have invested decades of dedication and care in the lives of countless women. Check out their nomination video here:



Don’t forget to be your own women’s health hero by celebrating National Women’s Health Week. From May 10 to 26, events are being held online and around the country to help you make your health a top priority.

Breastfeeding Benefits Moms, Too

Midwives and other women’s health care experts agree that breastfeeding is a great way to give babies a healthy start to life. Now a new study shows that breastfeeding may benefit mom’s health later in life. Scheduled for publication in the May 2009 issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the new study shows that women who have breastfed have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease during menopause.