PA Legislators Announce Agenda for Women's Health

The Women's Health Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative group supporting women's health issues, introduced this session's Pennsylvania Agenda for Women's Health in a news conference. The agenda is a package of bills supported by the caucus.

Caucus co-chairs state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks; and state Reps. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, and Frank Farry, R-Bucks, were joined by outside advocates to discuss the agenda.

The Agenda for Women's Health covers a broad range of proposals that advance three main goals to enhance the health and well-being of women, families, and communities: safety and dignity; economic security; and access to health services across the lifespan.

"The Women's Health Agenda is about empowering the 6.5 million women living in Pennsylvania," Schwank said. "These bills will help them, and, in turn, help Pennsylvania prosper. The ability for our state to grow culturally and economically depends on how we face new challenges. The Women's Health Caucus recognizes that we cannot afford attitudes and practices that hamper, stifle and waste the talent, skills and creativity women -- and sometimes only women -- can bring to the table."

Women's Health Caucus co-chair Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-Bucks, said: "Members from all political parties have a shared interest in empowering women to live healthier, happier lives. It is encouraging that the scope of this effort has expanded in recent years to include not only physical health but also the financial and emotional well-being of women as well. The Women's Health Caucus has done a tremendous job of bringing more of these issues to the forefront, and it is an honor to work with all of the members of this body to advance bills that promote a safer and healthier future for women."

Frankel said: "The PA Agenda for Women's Health provides a clear vision to address the issues facing women in the commonwealth today. At a time when we're hearing from women that they've had enough of the constant attacks on their reproductive choices, lack of concern for their safety and barriers to success in the workplace, our agenda will hopefully show them that there are legislators in Harrisburg who are listening and making a plan to pass legislation that will enhance their lives and the lives of their families."