JWI cares deeply about women’s access to quality health care and is amplifying its advocacy campaign to ensure that health reform eliminates discriminatory practices against women.  The number of uninsured or underinsured women is increasing at an alarming rate; in 2007 alone more than 45% of women did not have adequate health care coverage.*

JWI has analyzed the health care debate and we see four essential principles that must be part of any health care reform.

• Eliminate discriminatory practices against women: Women should not be charged more than men for identical coverage.
  
• Ban unfair “pre-existing condition” practices: Services should not be denied or costs increased because of health history, pre-existing conditions, or childbirth.
  
• Ensure Comprehensive Benefits: Reproductive services, such as maternity coverage and prevention screenings, should be a basic benefit.
  
• Make Health Care Affordable: Women should not need to forgo necessary health services because they are too expensive.

As the High Holidays approach and we wish each other a healthy New Year, take the time to educate yourself and share information about health reform with your friends and family.

To receive updates on all of our advocacy initiatives, join our advocacy network.

Contact your Members of Congress and let them know how you feel about the inequities in the current system.

*National Women’s Law Center and Oregon Health and Science University, Making the Grade on Women’s Health: A National and State-by-State Report Card (2007). National Report Card on Women’s Health