Legislation Improving Access to Women's Health Care Backed by Rep. Brinks

Package would expand education, health care options for women

LANSING - State Representative Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) announced her support for a package of four bills and three resolutions that would improve access to women’s health care, educate women about health care options, support rape survivors and address health care inequities women face.

“As a mother to three girls, I want to know that my daughters will have access to the health care they need once they grow up,” Brinks said. “I’m proud to sponsor a resolution that would urge our state to end the inequality that exists in women’s health care and make it possible for all women to prevent and get treatment for diseases such as breast cancer and osteoporosis.”

The package of legislation includes:

• House Resolution 140, naming May 12-18 “National Women’s Health Week” in Michigan (introduced by Rep. Gretchen Driskell)

• House Resolution 138, urging the Department of Community Health (DCH) to promote programs that identify and address inequities in the prevention, treatment and research of diseases threatening women (Rep. Winnie Brinks)

• House Resolution 139, recommending that the state intensify efforts to reduce the rate of teen pregnancies (Rep. Collene Lamonte)

• House Bill 4067, requiring all health facilities and agencies to offer emergency contraception to rape survivors (Rep. Charles Smiley)

• House Bill 4722, directing the DCH to develop and disseminate information about emergency contraception, including a description, explanation of use, safety efficacy and availability of emergency contraception (Rep. Marcia Hovey-Wright)

• House Bill 4721, requiring age-appropriate, medically accurate and objective sexuality education to be taught in public schools (Rep. Jeff Irwin)

• House Bill 4260, requiring doctors to give women information on breast density and encourage those who have dense breast tissue to consult with their doctors about other screening options (Rep. Brinks)

“Women need accurate information about health so they can make the best decisions about their own care,” Brinks said. “What we’re proposing are common-sense ideas that will put women in the driver’s seat when it comes to their own health. I urge all legislators, Democrats and Republicans alike, to support these measures.”