OP-ED: IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE CARE CRUCIAL TO REAL REFORM
Source: The Capital Times BY: DR. DOUG LAUBE Ten years ago, the Centers for Disease Control listed the top 10 achievements of public health in the 20th century -- among them family planning, control of infectious disease, and vaccinations. These achievements vastly improved our quality of life, resulting in an increase in life expectancy, worldwide reduction in infant and child mortality, and the elimination or reduction of many communicable diseases. Following President Barack Obama's historic address to the nation, America is poised for the first dramatic public health achievement of the 21st century. What makes this moment truly life-changing is that, for the first time, more women and their families will have coverage than ever before in our nation's history. However, if a new national health plan is to fulfill the goal of correcting our fragmented health system and improving America's health, it must address the specific health needs of women. That's why earlier this year, I and a group of medical and public health colleagues contributed to a scientific, data-driven report stating that reproductive health should be an essential part of any national health plan. Our statement was endorsed by 39 deans of schools of public health. According to the report, issued under the aegis of Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, "a well-woman standard of care -- one that includes access to comprehensive care and services essential to reproductive health -- will ensure that women can attain good health, maintain it through their reproductive years and age well." Put simply: Without making women's reproductive health a central component of health care reform, we will not have real reform in the 21st century. The scientific data point to the compelling need to improve the reproductive health of all Americans. Rates of maternal and infant mortality, low birth weight, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are much too high for a nation that is rich in resources and technical competence. Moreover, health problems are concentrated among disadvantaged groups, and these disparate rates have stagnated or worsened over the past three decades. Click here for full textDr. Doug Laube is professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Wisconsin and past president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
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