Aiming to stop debate over abortion from derailing healthcare reform, Democratic Rep. Kendrick Meek of Miami is urging Congress to neither require nor ban insurers from providing coverage for abortions. Though proposed legislation does not mention abortion, some Republicans argue that the proposed overhaul of the healthcare system could open the door to federal funding of the procedure.
Reproductive health-care services are very often the only health care that women get. Women get cancer and sexually transmitted infection screenings and treatment and referrals, including referrals for prenatal care. They also have well-women examinations, access to all birth-control methods, and are provided critical, preventative, life-saving health education.
After so many failed attempts by so many well-intentioned politicians to get health care reform in this country, is it finally going to happen? And if it is, a key question for us is: what about women? Will women's reproductive health care be included - or will women once again be shortchanged and poorly served? We hear that Congress is debating the subject right now. They need to hear from all of us.
TREASURE COAST — Planned Parenthood of South Florida and the Treasure Coast is celebrating National Women's Health Week this week by encouraging women to visit their health care provider for regular checkups and preventive screenings.
