The politics of women’s healthcare has been in the spotlight recently, as politicians work to increase and decrease access to critical health services. While some have experienced difficulties in keeping government-funded care accessible, many politicians at the state and federal levels have pushed forth legislation to celebrate and advance women’s healthcare.
In Texas, funding changes at the state level could affect how many low-income women receive reproductive care. The state Senate Finance Committee plans to restructure funding for healthcare providers with the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Services (BCCS). The Senate budget uses a new formula that would give federal, state, and county health clinics priority, private health clinics that screen women as part of thorough primary and preventative care second priority, and private health clinics that offer screenings but not comprehensive health care third priority. Reproductive health advocates say that the new budget “punishes” abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, but the budget restructuring means much more.
Uninsured women rely on private clinics like Planned Parenthood for breast and cervical cancer screenings, which can cost them thousands of dollars out-of-pocket at many hospitals. Additionally, other BCCS providers face difficulties providing cancer screenings with the new funding changes, regardless of if they provide abortion services. “These are life-saving services that help uninsured, low-income women who have very few resources when it comes to health care and are in need of immediate access,” said Sarah Wheat, vice-president of community affairs for Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas, to The Austin Chronicle.
Texas isn’t the only state facing dramatic healthcare changes for women, but in North Dakota, politicians are singing a more positive tune. Rep. Kylie Oversen introduced HB 1295 in February, designed to provide more comprehensive and preventive health care and education to low-income women. The bill tackles a number of reproductive health issues: contraceptive services would be given more public support, resulting in fewer unintended pregnancies; testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections would increase; and an expansion of services that offer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, testing, and pap smears will theoretically reduce cervical cancer rates in the state.
Additionally in North Dakota, the passage of HB 1463 in February ensured that women who were pregnant, had temporary disabilities as a result of pregnancy, or were taking care of newborns did not experience discrimination in the workplace. With increasing numbers of females acting as primary or co-providers for their families, it’s vital that temporary accommodations should be provided to maintain their physical and financial health. Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations under HB 1463, similarly to how previous amendments to working codes did so for other disabled individuals.
These healthcare changes are especially prominent during this time of year: March is National Women’s History Month, and advocates gather to celebrate progress towards gender equality during this time. Earlier this month, Sen. Patty Murray introduced legislation aimed at celebrating advancements in women’s reproductive healthcare. “The 21st Century Women’s Health Act” will also protect progress made, hoping to expand on existing low-income programs. Millions of low-income women rely on government healthcare to get access to services like contraception, prenatal care, and cancer screenings every year.
It’s vital for women of all demographics to have unrestricted and comprehensive access to health care. We should be able to enjoy the right to treat and educate ourselves on health issues that may arise, especially when it comes to reproductive rights. Without it, we strip women and men alike of knowledge and security that is essential to building a strong, supportive, and functional society.
Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.
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