WE A LT H

Newsletter of the WIN Womens Health Policy Network

Were on Facebook! October 2012

What November 6th Means for Womens Health

As Election Day draws nearer, the stakes for womens health have never been higher. While you may be ready for the debates, political ads, and rhetoric to be over, its important to remember whats at stake in this election:
The future of the Affordable Care Act The landmark health care

could nominate several Supreme Court Justices in the next four years. The balance of the Court Justices could have a major impact on issues related to womens health. This is an important election year and every vote counts. Check out the candidates health policy positions here, find out about your states candidates positions, and dont forget to vote!

reform law could face two different fates, depending on who is elected. If there are successful efforts to repeal the ACA, millions of women would be at risk of losing access to affordable insurance coverage, getting coverage for pre-existing conditions without discrimination, and access to important preventable screenings without additional co-pays, including breast cancer and cervical cancer screenings, birth control, and well-woman exams. Access to reproductive health care With unprecedented legislation proposed and passed in the states, access to reproductive health care could be expanded or restricted, depending on who is elected at the local, state and national levels. Issues including access to contraceptives, abortions, STI screenings and treatments, and maternity care, may have pending legislation at the state and federal level. Appointing the next Supreme Court Justices With four current Supreme Court Justices over the age of 70, the next President

Network Announcements
Sunday, October 28, 3-5:30 pm: Join the WIN Lobbying & Advocacy, Womens Health Policy, and Health, Wellness, & Recreation Networks for a screening and discussion of Escape Fire, a documentary about the state of the U.S. healthcare system. RSVP HERE. Sunday, November 11: Health Roundtable Potluck After the election, join the Womens Health Policy and Health, Wellness, & Recreation Networks for a potluck discussion on whats next for public health organizations. Stay tuned to the WINlist for details!

Meet a WINner in Womens Health!

at Reproductive Health Technologies Project. My job includes supporting and managing our policy Kimberly Inez McGuire team in DC, advocating on a range Senior Policy Analyst of policy issues and developing and National Latina Institute implementing communications for Reproductive Health strategies. What is the most challenging aspect of What led you to do reproductive justice work? your job? Most rewarding aspect? Ive always been passionate about womens The most challenging aspect is that health and social justice. Going to Hampshire we are often advocating for the College marked a turning point as I had the opportunity to learn about reproductive justice most marginalized women and not everyone is on board with takas a framework and get to know some of the ing care of our communities and organizations engaged in this work. Working lifting the voices of women who are at ChoiceUSA and National Advocates for Pregnant Women deepened my understanding stigmatized. The most rewarding aspect is winning gains that I know of and commitment to RJ issues. will improve the lives of Latinas How did you come to join the National Latina Inand their families. stitute for Reproductive Health? What does your job What skills/training do you think entail? have been most useful in your advocacy I learned about NLIRH years ago, and worked work? What skills/training do you closely with the organization in my former job wish youd had? The skills I have found most helpful are critical thinking, analysis, and simply knowing how to talk to and connect with people. Advocacy is all about relationships and communication. What are your long-term professional interests? I hope to continue my work advocating for reproductive justice with a focus on women of color, moving into more of a senior leadership role. What advice would you give to young women just starting out in your field? Meet people, build relationships, try new things, and dont be afraid to fail, be wrong, or ask a dumb question. And dont forget to take care of yourself and establish a balance between your professional and personal life.

Recent Womens Health Action on the Hill

September 12: Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ap Senate Foreign Relations Commit-

proved the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvement Act of 2012 (S. 3313) September 13: Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Child Protection Improvement Act (S. 645) House Education and the Workforce and Ways and Means Committees approved a resolution disapproving of the Department of Health and Human Services rule regarding TANF work requirements (H. J. Res. 118) September 19: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee passed the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Reauthorization Act (S. 1440)

tee approved a resolution to address international parental child abduction (S. Res. 543) September 20: House approved a resolution disapproving of the Department of Health and Human Services rule regarding TANF work requirements (H. J. Res. 118) Senate Judiciary Committee approved the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Registry Act (S. 3250) September 22: Senate approved a resolution to support the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month (S. Res. 586) Congress is in recess until the week of November 12. Source: Womens Policy Inc.

Take Action for Womens Health

October is: Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in U.S. In 2012, there were an estimated 226,870 new cases of breast cancer among U.S. women. While African American and Hispanic women have a lower incidence of breast cancer than white women, they are more likely to die from the disease. Thanks to screening, breast cancer often can be found early when the chance of successful treatment is best. A recent statement from HHS Secretary Sebelius highlights provisions within the ACA that will increase access to preventive care and ensure treatment for women fighting the disease. To learn more, visit WomensHealth.gov. Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Did you know that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime? Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers a unique opportunity to inform the community about the dynamics of domestic violence and resources available to help survivors. This month, raise awareness with the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. See the DCCADV DVAM Calendar of Events.

Upcoming Health Policy Events

October 22-23: American Diabetes Association -

New Health Policy Resources

See HERE for new health policy reports, fact sheets, webinars, and issue briefs!

Fifth Disparities Partnership Forum, Overcoming Diabetes: Diabetes Care in High Risk Populations. Washington, D.C. Learn more. October 23, 12-1:30 pm: Mathematica Issue Forum & Webinar, Paying Wisely: Using Incentive Reforms to Reduce Costs and Improve Patient Outcomes. Washington, D.C. Learn more. October 23, 9 pm: NAACP Health Department Town Hall Webinar on the Affordable Care Act. Learn more. October 25, 3:30-4:30 pm: NWLC Webinar, The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students Under Title IX. Learn more. October 25, 7-9 pm: Anne Arundel County Health Care Reform Town Hall. Severna Park, Maryland. Learn more. October 30, 1-2:30 pm: National e-Health Collaborative Webinar, Positioning for a Job in Health IT. Learn more. October 30, 2-3 pm: RH Connect Webinar, Redefining the Cultural Narrative on Abortion Through Storytelling. Learn more. November 8: Institute for Healthcare Improvement Seminar, Out of the Blocks: Where Does Health Care Go from Here. Washington, D.C. Learn more. November 28-29: ECRI Institute 19th Annual Conference, Systemness within Healthcare Delivery. Washington, D.C. Learn more.