To the editor:
While the Supreme Court justices ponder the future of American health care, I would like to take this opportunity to present some food for thought to women across the Ohio Valley.
As women, we are programmed to care for the needs of our families and put ourselves last. Ironically, a great deal of current politicians are also putting real women's needs aside and have not been presenting legislation that benefit us. That is why this health care law is so vitally important to today's women and girls.
The guidelines in this law mean that being a woman is no longer considered a pre-existing condition. We will not be more vulnerable to higher health care costs than men. We will have the same quality care as men for the same costs. Burdensome out-of-pocket health costs, along with the combination of women's lower incomes too often means that women forgo necessary preventative services and medications for the sake of their families. Everyone reading this letter has a friend or family member who has put off medical services due to co-pays, deductibles or other financial strains. With the new preventative care guidelines, the cost sharing was removed. One study showed a 9 percent increase in mammograms when the cost sharing was eliminated.
I am making these points to highlight President Barack Obama's commitment to women's health and equality. He is a champion for women's rights and, when given the chance again in November, will continue the good fight.
Mary Thomas
Irondale
