Congressman Carter Introduces State Offices of Women’s Health Support and Expansion Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) introduced the State Offices of Women's Health Support and Expansion Act. This legislation creates a $55 million dollar grant program at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to support the creation and maintenance of a new or existing state office of women's health in states across the country.

"Every state deserves the tools to prioritize women's health," said Rep. Carter. "In Louisiana, our office of women's health has shown what's possible when states invest in the specific needs of women throughout every stage of life. This bill takes that model and makes it available nationwide, giving states the resources to build or strengthen offices that address reproductive and maternal health, chronic disease, and the disparities that too many women, especially women of color and those in rural communities, continue to face. Women's health should never be an afterthought in our health care system. This legislation is a common-sense investment in making sure it isn't."

This bill ensures that states like Louisiana, who currently have a state office of women's health, will receive funds to support its existing office and expand the programming and services offered. It also provides funds for states who don't have a state office and want to create one.

"Every woman deserves access to the resources, information, and care she needs, not just to survive, but to live a healthy, thriving life," said Nourbese Flint, President of All* Above All and All* In Action Fund. "Strengthening and establishing new Offices of Women's Health in states across the country is a critical step toward ensuring women's health is not an afterthought, but a priority in policymaking. These offices can help ensure that the needs of women, particularly those too often overlooked by our health care system, are reflected in the decisions that shape their lives. We are proud to support this important legislation because every community deserves the tools, leadership, and accountability needed to confront persistent health inequities and improve health outcomes for women and families."

"UWSELA applauds Congressman Carter for introducing the State Offices of Women's Health Support and Expansion Act! Our advocates know just how important it is to remain focused on ensuring Women's Health remains a top priority and we are honored to support this legislation!" said Toya Barnes-Teamer, Ph.D., Chairman, United Way of Southeast Louisiana Public Policy Committee.

"At a time when women's health is being undermined through dangerous abortion bans, devastating cuts to health care, and attacks on birth control, it is more important than ever that states take meaningful steps to invest in women's health care," said Dorianne Mason, Senior Director of Health Equity at the National Women's Law Center Action Fund. "We are proud to endorse the State Offices of Women's Health Support and Expansion Act, which would help strengthen state efforts to improve health outcomes for women and counter the relentless attacks on women's health. We are grateful to Representative Carter for championing this critical legislation, and we urge the House to pass this commonsense bill without delay."

"Everyone should be able to get the health care they need, when they need it. The health care crisis in this country has denied too many access to preventative care, management for chronic illness, and time-sensitive reproductive health care. As lawmakers continue to try and dismantle our nation's health care infrastructure, it's critical to provide states, communities, and providers the resources they need to give patients the care they deserve. We thank Rep. Carter for introducing this bill that will improve access to health care for women, including sexual and reproductive health care," said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

"At a time when federal investments in public health infrastructure and women's health research are increasingly uncertain, In Our Own Voice is proud to support the State Offices of Women's Health Support and Expansion Act," said Regina Davis Moss, President and CEO of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda. "These investments in strengthening state-level efforts around public education, research and community-informed initiatives are especially critical for Black women, girls, and gender-expansive people who continue to face significant inequities across our health care system. By giving states more tools to identify gaps, share medically accurate information and develop solutions grounded in the needs of their communities, this legislation moves us closer to the full vision of Reproductive Justice."

Background:

The State Offices of Women's Health Support and Expansion Act is endorsed by Power to Decide, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Center for Reproductive Rights, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda, National Women's Law Center (NWLC), All Above All, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), LIFT Louisiana, REJAC NOLA, Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, Women With a Vision, Birthmark Doula Collective, The Amandla Group, Sauls Light, Nancy Davis Foundation,10,000 Women Louisiana, United Way of Southeast Louisiana, New Orleans Maternal and Child Health Coalition, Mama + Health Policy Collaborative, A'Sani Heartbeat Foundation, and Dad A-Port.

Read the full bill text here.

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