National Latina Institute and Women of Color United Demand Health Care Reform Now

Concerned women of color from around the country are sounding off on health care reform in a national Congressional call-in day organized by the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) and other members of the Women of Color United for Health Reform. Activists are urged to call Congress TODAY and demand passage of a health care bill that ensures access to high-quality, affordable and easily accessible comprehensive health care for all.

“Latinas are the fastest growing segment of small-business owners, yet nearly 40% of us are uninsured. Women, particularly Latinas, and immigrants are being treated as negotiating chips in health care debates,” said Silvia Henriquez, executive director of NLIRH. “The health of women is vital to the health of our families and this nation.”

Working in coalition with social justice groups and communities of color, NLIRH has put forward a policy agenda that advocates for the inclusion of comprehensive coverage for reproductive health care services, including cervical cancer screenings, breast exams, contraception, and abortion access, for all residents in the United States

Last week, as part of the Women of Color United for Health Reform coalition, NLIRH, the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum, and the Black Women’s Health Imperative spearheaded a conference call with Senior White House officials to address the needs of women of color in health care reform debates. More than 400 people from 31 states and the District of Columbia participated in the call, raising critical issues, including culturally competent care, access to prevention programs, and the possibility of expanding Medicaid and CHIP.

“Women of color are more likely than their white or male counterparts to be uninsured or underinsured.  As the pillar of our communities, we are organizing to demand health care that works for us as hard as we work for this country,” said Miriam Yeung, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.