The Election And Women’s Health

Retired pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm says that, like it or not, politics play a huge role in people’s health. How? Keep reading for insight on how 2024 and other election years may have strong implications, particularly for women’s health and reproductive rights.

Abortion Access

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, abortion is a key point in any federal-level election. A nationwide ban or protection of abortion is possible, but it’s complicated to achieve. The 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is widely known for overturning Roe Vs. Wade, returned abortion rights to individual states. However, a sitting president may recommend congressional acts that ban or allow abortion on the federal level.

Contraception

When Obama was president, he enacted the Affordable Care Act. This made it a requirement for insurance companies to cover contraceptives. Marla Ahlgrimm says that the Affordable Care Act gave women access to contraceptive medications without a co-pay or cost-sharing. Depending on which presidential candidate takes the seat in November, this law may be modified in part or eventually done away with altogether.

Maternal Health

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, any election year impacts federal funding for programs that support maternal health. These might include the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and women’s access to Medicaid.

Women’s Health Research

The Biden Administration significantly increased funding for women’s health research. However, neither candidate in the 2024 election is guaranteed to protect future funding levels.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should vote regardless of which political party they stand with. She explains that this is the only way to truly have a say in women’s health and other issues. There are many different resources available that offer insight and information into each political candidate’s views on women’s health, abortion, and funding for women’s health research.

Gender Equality

Another issue not necessarily directly related to women’s health is the issue of gender equality. Marla Ahlgrimm says that each candidate may have a different view on how national efforts to promote gender equality have either helped or hindered women in general. Women should be prudent in understanding how their selected candidate views issues related to everything from equality in the workplace and in the hospital bed.

At the end of each four-year presidential term, women have a valuable opportunity to have their voice heard on policies that affect them personally and as a group as a whole. Ultimately, Marla Ahlgrimm says that women should make sure these voices speak so that this great nation remains a place of safety for all women and their rights.

For more information, Marla Ahlgrimm recommends visiting Planned Parenthood at www.PlannedParenthood.org or Pro-Choice America at www.PROCHOICEAMERICA.org