Articles by:

Cindy Pearson

Browse articles by Cindy Pearson

Okay, I admit it. Sometimes I try to cheer myself up by turning on some upbeat music and dancing by myself. Although I wouldn’t want anyone to see me bouncing around when I’ve cranked up the music (I’m a lousy dancer), I don’t mind people knowing that one of my favorite cheer-me-up songs is Aretha Franklin’s version of “RESPECT.”

There has been increased attention and funding in recent years for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (LARCs). While LARCs are part of a well-balanced mix of contraceptive options, there are concerning practices when it comes to who is targeted for long-acting methods and the way in which counseling is provided.

By the time this column is printed, the election will be over, and we’ll know what we’re facing. As I write this, though, we don’t yet know what the results will be. Will this country elect a man who jokes about touching women without their consent, whose running mate tried to defund Planned Parenthood, and…

Women continue to experience gaps in healthcare access for a variety of issues, and we advocate for changes in the healthcare system that would remedy this. Bisphosphonate use, however, is one time when less really is more.

Good health depends on more than just good medical care. Healthy food, clean air, and safe workplaces are just some of the non-medical parts of our lives with a tremendous impact on our health.

There’s been lots of shouting about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) lately, especially in the political arena — and there have been so many political arenas this year!

I still remember how I felt when I saw the sign warning of potential traffic jams due to a special event at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It was early morning on July 19, 1996, and four NWHN colleagues and I were on the way to attend the FDA Advisory Committee meeting about mifepristone (known as “RU 486” or the “French abortion pill”).

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do; it includes a selection of interesting articles and commentary on cutting-edge issues.  A couple of articles, “Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: Drug Pricing in America” and “Abortion Disconnect” directly address high-profile issues that are in the news on a daily basis. Our…

Later this month, the National Women’s Health Network (NWHN) will be participating in a women’s week of action to let uninsured women know that they can get help paying for insurance. During Open Enrollment season, people who don’t have insurance can shop for affordable plans via the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. Over 10 million people…

Food and Drug Administration Scientific Workshop on Labeling Lower-Dose Estrogen-Alone Products for Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy

About the Author

Cindy Pearson

Cynthia A. Pearson (Cindy) has served as the NWHN’s Executive Director for more than 20 years. Cindy is one of the nation’s most experienced and respected women’s health advocates. During her tenure, Cindy has led campaigns to protect women from risky drugs and devices; require the government to research conditions that affect women; ensure that women have access to full information about medical products and clinical trials; expand women’s access to comprehensive reproductive health care services; and protect women against coercion and abuse.

Cindy protects the independence of the NWHN’s voice on women’s health issues by cultivating a thriving national membership that enables the NWHN to remain one of the few women’s health organizations that will not accept financial support from pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, insurance companies or the tobacco industry.

Cindy regularly testifies before Congress, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration and is a frequent speaker at conferences. Cindy has appeared in print and on the air as a consumer expert on women’s health issues, including the Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Nightline, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR, and the Melissa Harris-Perry show.

Cindy is a transplanted Californian, where she obtained her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego. She began her career at Womancare, a feminist clinic, and worked as an abortion rights organizer for Colorado NARAL. She continues to support independent abortion providers through her service as the President of the Board of Directors of Women’s Health Specialists in far northern California.