America’s Physicians Stand Together to Protect Women’s Health

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23 -- The American Osteopathic Association issued the following news release:

The women of America have an enormous amount at stake as Congress debates the future of health insurance coverage. For seven years, current law has guaranteed women no-copay coverage of preventive services and coverage for maternity care. It's guaranteed no woman will be charged more for, or denied, coverage because of her gender, because she was the victim of domestic violence, or because she had a previous C-section. Current law has also facilitated expanded Medicaid programs, adopted in 31 states covering 10 million individuals, which offer care coverage to many low-income women and their families.

The undersigned organizations, representing 500,000 physicians, want American's women to know we're here for you, and we're dedicated to protecting these important health care guarantees.

Healthy women are the foundation of our economy and our society. Healthy women give birth to healthier babies, dramatically reducing costs associated with poor birth outcomes. Healthy women can better participate in our economy and our workforce, and can reach higher levels of educational attainment.

Our organizations, with longstanding traditions of patient advocacy, stand together to:

Ensure women unencumbered access to affordable, evidence-based health care throughout their lifespan

Oppose political interference in the provider-patient relationship

Protect and retain current benefits and coverage for women, including preventive care and banning gender rating

Protect Medicaid coverage and financing, ensuring consistent treatment of qualified providers

We call on the President and the U.S. Congress to stand with us and with and for America's women.

Boyd R. Buser, DO, President, American Osteopathic Association

Adrienne White-Faines, MPA, CEO, American Osteopathic Association

John Meigs Jr., MD, President, American Academy of Family Physicians

Fernando Stein, MD, President, American Academy of Pediatrics

Nitin S. Damle, MD, MS, President, American College of Physicians

Thomas M. Gellhaus, MD, President, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Wanda D. Filer, MD, MBA, Board Chair, American Academy of Family Physicians

Colleen A. Kraft, MD, President-elect, American Academy of Pediatrics

Darlyn V. Moyer, MD, CEO and Executive Vice President, American College of Physicians

Lisa M. Hollier, MD, MPH, President-elect in nomination, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

About the American Osteopathic Association

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) represents more than 129,000 osteopathic physicians (DOs) and osteopathic medical students; promotes public health; encourages scientific research; serves as the primary certifying body for DOs; and is the accrediting agency for osteopathic medical schools. Visit DoctorsThatDO.org to learn more about osteopathic medicine.

[Category: Medical]

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