Nita Lowey: “health care reform is critical to the women of America. For far too long, our health has been neglected, and our…”

“health care reform is critical to the women of America. For far too long, our health has been neglected, and our families have suffered. We face a historic opportunity to correct past inequities in women's health care--an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. That is why I am so pleased to support the benefits package being considered by the Education and Labor Committee. My colleagues on that committee, including Congresswomen Mink, Unsoeld, Woolsey, and English, and Chairman Williams, have worked hard to craft a package that will restore fairness and sensibility to women's health care. There can be no doubt that it will improve women's lives, and save health care dollars. I want to note just some of the expanded provisions that are so important to women and their families: Comprehensive mammography screening that will ensure women access to this vital service; Annual PAP smears and pelvic exams with no cost sharing; Family planning visit with no cost sharing; Expanded coverage of contraceptive drugs and devices; And improved benefits for our children. Madam Speaker, the task before us is great. The potential benefits are tremendous. We must seize this opportunity to ensure health equity once and for all.”