The Republican War on Women goes on, but we’ll get to that in a bit. There is another war that gets far less attention, despite deserving far more. It’s the Democratic War on Women’s Health Issues, and today is a blue letter day. Those who cling to the destructive myth that there is no difference between the parties need to take note of this.
You’ve heard a lot from the foes of Obamacare, the landmark health care law enacted in 2012. Today, the White House wants you to hear the other side of the story. Here it is:
Eight new prevention related health measures are now being provided to 47 million women under the Affordable Care Act (the official name of what is more commonly known as Obamacare).
Previously some insurance companies did not cover the eight preventative services, or only offered co-pays or deductibles.
However beginning on August 1, or at the next renewal date, the following services will be completely covered by the insurance companies:
- Well-woman visits.
- Gestational diabetes screening that helps protect pregnant women from one of the most serious pregnancy-related diseases.
- Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling.
- FDA-approved contraceptive methods, and contraceptive education and counseling.
- Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling.
- HPV DNA testing, for women 30 or older.
- Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually-active women.
- HIV screening and counseling for sexually-active women.
The greater focus on preventative measures will allow women to make health decisions to stay healhty [sic] and have a higher likelihood of catching potentially serious conditions earlier, and reduce crushing medical bills.
“President Obama is moving our country forward by giving women control over their health care,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. “This law puts women and their doctors, not insurance companies or the government, in charge of health care decisions.”… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Houston Chronicle>
Picture credit: Health Insurance News
Democrats have been crowing about this as well they should. Republicans are celebrating the occasion in their own special way. Senate Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY), aka Bought Bitch Mitch, obstructed the normal business of the Senate by announcing yet another amendment to repeal Obamacare on a completely unrelated bill. House Majority Leader Boehner (R-OH), aka Agent Orange, is holding yet another “GOP Jobs Vote”. That’s right. It’s another attack on Women’s rights.
Rachel Maddow explained all the benefits of Obamacare, while covering this and Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare. Then she discussed it with Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).
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Every American should see her go down that list of benefits.
This should also make clear the differences between the two main political parties. We have one that, while far from perfect, does govern for the benefit of all Americans. We have one that govern;’s exclusively for the benefit of millionaires, billionaires, and corporate criminals. Putting aside pipe dreams and blue sky, with extremely rare exceptions such as Bernie the Beloved, one of these will be governing in January. Which, is up to you.
15 Responses to “The Democratic War on Women’s Health Issues”
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I think the Health Care Reform is awesome… I have fought for this for 30 years, worked for General Electric and still couldn't afford to see a Doctor. Single Payer H.R. 676 Medicare for all Americans – Single Payer would have been my choice but more of premiums money going towards care is a good start… Thumbs up ^…
That's exactly my point.
It is awesome—the very thought of the Repugs taking control is very scary to me– but all I can do is reinforce the need to VOTE; The difference in parties has never been more apparent–
The first President I voted for was IKE– so I been been down the road—-know the history and downfall of the GOP—been a long time since they fielded a true statesman—Who had the welfare of the country first –
'GOP' and 'true statesman' — now there is a present day oxymoron if ever I heard one!
I liked IKE, but was too you to vote.
Here is a graphic put out by the Centre for American Progress that I came across in Care2 today.
This is a great day particularly for women but also for men and children who rely on their spouse and mother.
From the Care2 article and noted at the bottom of the graphic — "…nine states are attacking the contraception coverage requirement because of the claim that the provision violates religious liberty."
One area that continues to annoy me is the religious liberty argument. Although I am not American, I am offended at the blatant disregard by opponents who keep raising religious liberty as a reason for not supporting contraception. Women have the right to freedom of religion and freedom from religion. Why should the religious rights of opponents hold more sway than the religious rights of women (and men) who support contraception? That is the very definition of religious discrimination. If using contraceptives goes against the moral values of a religious person, then don't use them. It is that simple. There is no compromise to your religious values. But don't tell another that they must adhere to your narrow religious values. This whole religious liberty argument raised by opponents is nothing more than an attempt by right wingnut fanatical evangelical Christian politicians (mostly Republican/Teabaggers) to divide the electorate and steer conversations away from the economy and jobs. These politicians are not moral people — they are amoral at best, or even immoral. Leave religion out of the discussion.
TC — "Bought Bitch Mitch, obstructed the normal business of the Senate by announcing yet another amendment to repeal Obamacare on a completely unrelated bill. House Majority Leader Boehner (R-OH), aka Agent Orange, is holding yet another “GOP Jobs Vote”. That’s right. It’s another attack on Women’s rights."
These fools will never learn. They do nothing but insult the intelligence of average thinking Americans (that leaves out the Faux Noise acolytes!). It wouldn't surprise me if this was tacked onto some "must pass" legislation. Jabber Jowls, Cantor, Boehner, Rove, Norquist and Limbaugh should all be declared 'public enemy #1' and have their pictures on the post office wall while there still are post offices.
Ooops! The graphic didn't hold. If you want to view the graphic, here is a link:
http://www.care2.com/causes/8-ways-women-will-benefit-under-obamacare-starting-tomorrow.html
Thanks Lynn. Republicans seem to thing that religious liberty includes the freedom to force their dogma on others.
My religious liberty ends at the tip of your nose.
Willard Romney will say anything to win a vote but is not competent as a leader of the free world…
Bingo!
As I've said (and remember I howled at the compromise that left us without a public option,) this is a good beginning. It cannot be the end, but it is a big step in the right direction. Which is why the Rushpubliscums hate it so much. Rushpubliscums don't like anything that isn't the exclusive privilege of white men.
I'm sure you meant "rich, white men".
I howled too, but in retrospect, I understand that Obamacare with the public option would have a problem. There would be no benefits today, because it would not have passed.
First of all, would someone please remove the stick from McConnell's anus?
Insurance companies have always treated womanhood as being a pre-existing condition. Premiums were higher because a woman "might" become pregnant. This was true even if there were conditions preventing any possibility of pregnancy hysterectomy, menopause, etc.). Thank you Pres. Obama and the Democratic controlled House and Senate in 2009 for changing this among ather things about health care in the USA.
I, too, think we should have had Medicare for all. But, we take what we can get.
Be careful what you wish for, Patty. I can see the headline now:
City Hit by Shit Storm
Two Killed by Flying Stick