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The Network’s 12 Policy Pillars

The Network’s policy priorities are inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the nation’s health needs.

The National Women’s Health Network (The Network) was founded in 1975. For almost 50 years, we have worked to promote the health interests of women across the life continuum with an intersectional focus on reproductive health, maternal health and the health and well-being of aging women.  We monitor and evaluate federal legislation and rule changes to ensure government is passing policies that advance the health needs of women across America.

Our priorities, or pillars, are informed by the science and the lived experiences of health care consumers (that’s you). Read on to learn more about our 12 Policy Pillars and the signature issue areas we’ll be focusing on in the coming months.

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Women’s Health on Capitol Hill

2024 Policy Agenda

The NWHN’s policy agenda is shaped by our 12 policy pillars and the belief that women across all ages and demographics should have unburdened access to health care services.

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Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2024

Much is at stake for women, children, and abortion access this budget season.

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NWHN Bill Watch

Visit our live bill tracker to get information on all the bills the NWHN is supporting during the 118th congress.

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Need information on a specific pillar?

Aging Women

The Network comprises hundreds of mid-life and aging women who need to be seen, heard, and understood by our health care system.

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Maternal Health

Compared to other high-income countries, the United States has the worst maternal health outcomes and none are more affected than Black and Indigenous women.

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Sexual & Reproductive Health

Since our first protest as outsiders on the steps of the FDA, we’ve become change-making insiders and frequently–invited testifiers in the halls of power regarding sexual & reproductive health issues.

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Abortion

The Network has supported access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion care since our founding.

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Contraception

The NWHN believes that people can and do make good decisions about contraception (commonly known as birth control) when they are provided reliable and complete information about their choices.

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Disability

The Network has always sought to elevate stories of people living with disabilities and their caregivers.

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FDA Advocacy

The Network knows how the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) works better than most watchdog organizations operating on Capitol Hill – and we know how to bring your voices to them loud and clear when change is needed.

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Breast Health

The NWHN’s work on breast health has helped decrease the incidence rate  of breast cancer cases nationwide.

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Chronic Conditions

The Network has a long history of raising awareness around several chronic conditions that disproportionately affect women.

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LGBTQIA + Health

The Network believes that everyone deserves access to equitable, high-quality, and comprehensive health care regardless of their sexuality or gender identity.

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Mental Health & Wellbeing

The NWHN consistently raises up current events, content, and research at the intersection of women’s diverse lived experiences and mental health and wellbeing concerns. We also never shy away from talking about how physical health can have a proportional impact on mental health and wellbeing.

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Social Determinants of Health

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, and play that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life risks and outcomes.

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