By: Cheyenne Thorpe

The issue of women’s health care has been greatly interconnected with the history of the fight for women’s equality. According to its website, Planned Parenthood opened in 1916 as a provider of health care and education. Ever since, it has been a topic of controversy between pro-life and pro-choice activists. While 3 percent of the services provided by Planned Parenthood are abortions, they also offer contraception, cancer screenings, and STD testing and treatments. As a leading provider for those with lower incomes, 75 percent of their 2.5 million patients are at or beneath the federal poverty level of 150 percent. Studies such as the “U.S. Women’s Intended Sources for Reproductive Health Care,” which examine women from different races, marital statuses, ages, and incomes, show that greater numbers of women intend to use family planning clinics over private offices.

Professionals such as Dr. Flavia Bustreo, member of the World Health Organization, explain that the issues in women’s health include the subjects of cervical and breast cancer, HIV and other STIs, violence, and mental health. Other leaders in women’s health, such as Dr. Karen A. Scott, are working with governmental organizations like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase equality in the market of health insurance while aiming to decrease sexual assaults, domestic violence, female genital cutting, and more. The Affordable Care Act has increased the number of women covered by health insurance in America and many activists are working to improve women’s health care.