Trusted Outside Resources
The NWHN encourages women to consult sources they trust to get unbiased, evidence-based information about their needs and concerns. We believe that all women should take an active role in understanding their health, in order to make informed decisions regarding their bodies and health care. The following links lead to the websites of trusted organizations that are dedicated to improving the health of women and girls. Many of these organizations are the NWHN’s allies in advocating for women’s health, and all of them offer excellent information on a variety of topics, from breast cancer to contraceptive use to adolescent sexuality.
Aid Access
Aid Access supports women who are not able to access local services. If you are healthy and less than 9 weeks pregnant, you can do the online consultation
The National Abortion Federation (NAF)
The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion care providers in North America. NAF’s website provides access to accurate information regarding abortion procedures, abortion providers in your area, and educational resources about abortion care.
National Network of Abortion Funds
The National Network of Abortion Funds builds power with members to remove financial and logistical barriers to abortion access by centering people who have abortions and organizing at the intersections of racial, economic, and reproductive justice.
NARAL Pro-Choice America
NARAL Pro-Choice America is an advocacy organization made up of pro-choice women and men dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom in the United States. NARAL’s website provides accessible information about abortion legislation around the country so that you are well informed of your rights.
Planned Parenthood
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
Planned Parenthood is a provider of affordable reproductive health care. Their 700 health centers across the country provide preventative, primary care services including contraceptive and abortion services, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and cancer screenings.
Provide
Provide (previously the Abortion Access Project) seeks to ensure access to abortion for all women by increasing abortion services, training new abortion providers, and raising awareness about abortion access’ critical importance to women’s lives. Services provided include resources for medical professionals and information about where to obtain an abortion in your area.
Plan C
Plan C is a non-profit alliance of advocates, public interest lawyers, scientists and ethicists who believe everyone has a right to know how to use abortion pills to safely end their pregnancies on their own.
Women Help Women
Women Help Women is an international group of activists, trained counselors and non-profit organizations and foundations. Their online service, abortionpillinfo.org, provides individualized online support and information to people in the U.S. with unwanted pregnancies who want to use abortion pills on their own.
Women on Web
This online organization provides information about medical abortion. It also helps women who live in countries where access to abortion is restricted gain access to a safe medical abortion.
Breast Cancer Action
Breast Cancer Action is a non-profit advocacy group that provides information via newsletters, their website, and a toll-free phone number. The organization also lobbies for policy changes aimed at finding a true cure for breast cancer, achieving prevention through determining and eradicating the causes of the disease, and attaining universal access to healthcare. This website has links to sign up for the Breast Cancer Action newsletter and e-alerts, and also gives visitors concrete steps to take to end the breast cancer epidemic.
Breast Implant Information Project
http://www.breastimplantinfo.org
The Breast Implant Information Project of the National Center for Health Research provides trustworthy information about breast implants based on the most recent research and analysis. The Project collects, analyzes, and summarizes information from peer-reviewed research, surgeons and other health professionals, and women with implants. Individuals can contact The Breast Implant Information Project with specific questions directly via phone at (202) 223-4000 or email at: info@breastimplantinfo.org.
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Dr. Love, the author of Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book and Dr. Susan Love’s Hormone Book provides online information on women’s health concerns focused specifically on menopause and breast cancer. The website includes links to the latest updates on menopause hormone therapy, transitioning off of menopause hormone therapy, and natural ways to address menopausal symptoms. The website also includes detailed information and graphics on breast cancer prevention/detection and recurrence; information for high-risk individuals, the newly diagnosed, and breast cancer survivors; links to the latest information on breast cancer; and links to groups and organizations that provide community support and advocacy.
National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)
The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) advocates at the national, state, and local levels to impact policies about research, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer. The organization seeks to improve women’s access to high-quality care, increase the funds invested in peer-reviewed research, and ensure that the voices of breast cancer activists and patients are part of decision-making on breast cancer issues. The website offers links to fact sheets on breast cancer; advocates’ education and training programs; information on special community events and public policy activities; and regular updates on NBCC’s grassroots advocacy, including the NBCC annual advocacy training conference. NBCC has set the deadline of January 1, 2020, to know how to end breast cancer.
Consumers Union
Consumers Union is the policy and action division of Consumer Reports that works with activists on consumer protection laws. This nonprofit organization offers free guidance for consumers through their educational projects such as Best Buy Drugs and the Safe Patient Project. Consumers Union is also affiliated with the Choosing Wisely campaign which engages physicians and consumers in important discussion surrounding the overuse and misuse of medical tests and procedures.
Consumers United for Evidence-Based Health Care (CUE)
Consumers United for Evidence-Based Health Care (CUE) unites consumer advocates that want to integrate evidence-based healthcare (EBHC) into their advocacy activities. CUE members work in partnership with the U.S. Cochrane Center and other scientists to communicate the language of EBHC to the public, strengthen consumers’ voices, and provide leadership in healthcare research. CUE offers an online course for consumer advocates entitled, “Understanding Evidence-Based Healthcare: A Foundation for Action.” Other available products include a quarterly journal on evidence based medicine databases and information about the organization’s EBHC research events.
Lown Institute
The Lown Institute is advancing bold ideas for a just and caring system for health to replace the current, failing model rooted in profit-driven, low-value care.
Pharmed Out
This organization, which is run by physicians for physicians, seeks to raise doctors’ awareness of pharmaceutical companies’ influence in their practices, and to increase access to unbiased drug information. The website offers a variety of resources about how to increase access to unbiased drug information including presentations, books, articles, reports, database, blogs, and links to other organizations. The organization is currently directed by former NWHN board member Adriane Fugh-Berman, M.D.
Public Citizen: Health and Safety
Public Citizen is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that represents consumer interests in the U.S. Congress. One of the organizations six divisions is the Health Research Group, which promotes research-based, system-wide changes in health care policy. It also provides oversight concerning drugs, medical devices, doctors and hospitals, and occupational health. The Group works to ban or re-label unsafe and/or ineffective drugs and medical devices; improve safety standards at work sites; and educate consumers about health care services by providing information about doctors who have been disciplined by state medical boards, publicizing hospital cesarean section rates, obtaining your medical records, and conducting dispute resolution in Medicare HMOs. The website provides expert opinions on prescription drug information; fact sheets and other publications; downloadable reports on occupational health, food safety, medical devices, and healthcare delivery; and online health activist courses.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. Their website provides the latest updates on drug and device safety for consumers and outlines studies being done to test the safety of various products.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Women’s Health
As the nation’s health protection agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) addresses the biggest health problems causing death and disability for Americans. The agency’s office of Women’s Health advances the health and safety of women and girls with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. Their website provides women’s health and general information, including links to publications and materials, national and state research findings, guidelines, and CDC-funded programs.
Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is a worldwide leader in medical care, research, and education. Their website provides patient care and health information from more than 3,300 physicians, scientists, and researchers. The information is accessible and categorized by different health topics; diseases and conditions; tests and procedures; and drugs and supplements.
National Women’s Health Information Center
An information clearinghouse maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office on Women’s Health. The Center offers access to a variety of government publications on women’s health and general health topics. Trained English- and Spanish-speaking Information and Referral Specialists will provide free health information and/or provide organizational referrals to assist the public with health questions.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the country’s medical research agency and is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers. Each Institute and Center has a specific research agenda related to a particular disease or body system. The NIH website provides health information related to these health topics in addition to providing access to their resource MedlinePlus, the patient-friendly website offering information about disease, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand.
Our Bodies, Ourselves
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org
Our Bodies, Ourselves is the website for the Boston Women’s Health Book Collective, which produces the groundbreaking work, Our Bodies, Ourselves, and other critical women’s health resources. Publications include The New Ourselves, Growing Older; Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth; and Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause. The Collective provides information by mail or phone on a wide range of women’s health issues and maintains an extensive online collection of resources on women’s health.
PreOp Patient Education
This informational resource is designed to help the public understand the nature of medical conditions and the surgical procedure most commonly used to treat them. The site contains videos that guide visitors through the most-common surgical procedures for both men and woman. It is designed to help patients gain a better understanding of their medical conditions, learn about their treatment options, understand the risks of surgery, understand what to expect on the day of surgery, and suggest ways to prompt recovery.
Truth in Aging
Truth in Aging began as a one woman’s effort to discover which anti-aging product ingredients are safe and effective, which are not — and why. It has grown into a vibrant community of individuals who share truthful, unbiased reviews about personal care products, including skin care, hair care, and other health and beauty products. After 30 days of reviews, community-approved products are added to the organization’s carefully curated online store.
Kaiser Family Foundation
The Kaiser Family Foundation is as a non-partisan source of information and analysis on the country’s major health care issues. The organization conducts its own research and policy analysis, serving as an online health news and information service for the public, the health community, the media, policymakers and other decision-makers. Kaiser has many resources to help you understand Medicaid and Medicaid coverage, health reform law, and Affordable Care Act implementation. They also develop public health campaigns both domestically and internationally.
AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC)
The AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC) seeks to create a favorable policy and social environment for accelerated research on AIDS vaccines, and their global delivery as part of a comprehensive response to the pandemic. The website provides information about the current status of research into the AIDS vaccine, a downloadable AIDS vaccine handbook, and an AIDS vaccine clearinghouse that contains extensive information on AIDS vaccine research.
SisterLove
SisterLove seeks to improve access to reproductive care and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment among all women, especially those of African descent. The organization offers health education; a leadership program; international projects; volunteer opportunities; and free HIV, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea screenings. Their youth peer network, “Healthy Love Youth Network,” aims to empower girls aged 13-18 in the Atlanta community to become Peer Leaders.
CenterLink Community Center Directory
CenterLink supports the development of strong, sustainable lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community centers and seeks to build a unified center movement. Centers are engines of community organizing and liberation, and are crucial to the health and strength of LGBT communities. To assist centers in building a movement that honors and promotes full human rights and dignity for all LGBT people, CenterLink works to build capacity; strengthen linkages; and advocate for empowerment, self-reliance, inclusion, and diversity among every community center in the national coalition. CenterLink acts as the voice for LGBT community centers in national grassroots organizing and coalition building. The Directory contains information about LGBT Community Centers and Affiliates in the United States and around the world.
Fenway Health Center
The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy.
Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA)
The mission of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) is to ensure equality in health care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and health care providers. This site helps people find LGBT-friendly health care providers. GLMA is also a professional home for LGBT providers (including counselors, psychotherapists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, family therapists, etc.). The site offers information for patients, providers, and researchers on both general health care and LGBT-specific issues. It also offers online continuing education programs for physicians and physician assistants. GLMA works with other LGBT civil rights and health organizations, other medical associations, and policymakers at all levels.
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC)
Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) provides HIV counseling, testing, health information, education, risk-reduction strategies, referrals, partner notification services, and mental health and substance abuse counseling. GMHC also provide Hepatitis C and Syphilis testing and provides referrals for additional supportive services. All services are offered free-of-charge. The site offers also offers educational information regarding HIV/AIDS.
World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an interdisciplinary, professional and educational organization devoted to transgender health. Professional, supporting, and student members engage in clinical and academic research to develop evidence-based medicine and promote high-quality care for transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals internationally.
This website is a cooperative effort of patients – to survey other patients, tell our stories, study the medical literature to find out whether the treatments recommended by the American Urological Association for this condition are beneficial or harmful, and to share information about the cures people have found with a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Black Mama’s Matter Alliance
Black Mama’s Matter Alliance envisions a world where Black mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. This website is a good resource on Black maternal health.
The Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care
https://safehealthcareforeverywoman.org/
The Council on Patient Safety in Women’s Health Care seeks to continually improve patient safety in women’s health care through multidisciplinary collaboration that drives culture change
Guttmacher Institute
The Guttmacher Institute focuses on sexual and reproductive health research, policy analysis, and public education. It offers research and special reports on topics pertaining to sexual and reproductive health and rights and is one of the best resources for data and research on abortion care in the country.
Women’s Health Program of Community Catalyst (formerly Merger Watch)
The Women’s Health Programr approaches include advocacy, communications, consumer education, grassroots organizing, policy analysis, research and technical assistance. While our focus is on women’s health, we recognize that access to needed health care can be affected not only by an individual’s gender, but also by sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, immigration status, income, age and disability. We work to lift up the voices of women who are rarely represented in health policy discussions, such as young women, women of color, immigrant women, older women, low-income women and members of the LGBTQ community.
National Center for Health Research (NCHR)
http://www.center4research.org
The National Center for Health Research (NCHR) conducts and analyzes research in order to encourage more effective programs, policies, and medical treatments. Dedicated to improving the lives of women, children, and families, NCHR helps individuals with questions about medical treatments and prevention strategies in addition to educating policy makers at the national, state, and local level to affect meaningful change on a larger scale. Their website provides information on a variety of topics relating to women’s health including: breast cancer, cosmetic surgery and implants, dietary supplements, the flu, food, hormone therapy, stress, violence against women, weight loss, and more.
National Women’s Law Center (NWLC)
The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) has worked for more than 40 years to expand, protect, and promote opportunity and advancement for women and girls at every stage of their lives — from education to employment, to retirement security, to health care, and everything in between. The Center’s research, analysis, and advocacy take place when legislatures are enacting or amending laws; the Executive Branch and its agencies are writing regulations or otherwise enforcing laws and policies; and the courts are reviewing actions. The Center also conducts public awareness campaigns to educate and mobilize the public to advocate for policy changes to improve women’s lives.
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is an authority on issues related to obstetrics and gynecology. Their website provides patient-friendly information you can trust from the leading experts in women’s health care and a searchable Ob-Gyn directory.
Committee on Women, Population, and the Environment (CWPE)
The Committee on Women, Population, & the Environment (CWPE) is an alliance of feminist community organizers, scholarly activists, and health care practitioners. Its goal is to promote women’s social and economic empowerment in a context of global peace and justice, and to eliminate poverty. The website includes information about CWPE’s Birth Control Campaign Initiative, which includes the Depo Diaries National Storytelling Project through which women can share their experiences using Depo.
The Endometriosis Association
http://www.endometriosisassn.org
The Endometriosis Association was specifically created as a self-help resource for women with endometriosis. Its membership consists of women with endometriosis, as well as doctors and others who are interested in the disease. The organization is a recognized authority on the subject, and has done ground breaking research on the link between endometriosis and environmental risk factors. Its overarching goal is to work toward finding a cure for the disease as well as providing education, support, and research.
Endometriosis Institute
http://www.endometriosisinstitute.com
The Endometriosis Institute is dedicated to fostering research, education, and clinical advances in Endometriosis. Their website offers information about the condition and treatments from reproductive endocrinology/infertility specialists and information about current clinical trials.
Endometriosis Research Center (ERC)
The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) addresses the need for international endometriosis awareness, advocacy, support, education, legislative efforts, and research facilitation. Their website provides general information on the condition and an “Endometriosis Self-Test” that helps you determine if you should talk to your physician about getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Hope For Fibroids
http://www.hopeforfibroids.org
Hope For Fibroids provides information to women about uterine fibroid disease so that they can consult their physician and make an informed decision about their fibroid treatment plan. The website’s medical consultants are also available to address any questions.
Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services (HERS) Foundation
The Hysterectomy Educational Resources and Services (HERS) Foundation provides information about hysterectomy, including its potentially adverse effects and alternatives to the procedure. It provides resources on how to decide if having a hysterectomy is the right choice, and for addressing complications that may arise after a hysterectomy.
HysterSisters
HysterSisters is a support site for women seeking information about hysterectomies, including surgery and recovery preparation. HysterSisters offers resources on hysterectomy-related health issues as well as information about preparing for and recovering from the procedure. Women can engage and connect with one another on the website, and find a physician based on their location and specialty via the HysterSisters’ database.
National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation engages in charitable, educational, and scientific activities related to the care and treatment of women who have uterine fibroids or related reproductive conditions. Their website provides the latest information in fibroid research, trained patient advocate support, a physician locater database, personal stories, and links to other uterine fibroids resources.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association, Inc. (PCOSupport)
The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association (PCOSupport) is a grassroots, volunteer-based organization operated by and for women with PCOS and their families. Their website offers general information on PCOS, information on medical treatments and supplements, a discussion board for peer support, and links to helpful books and publications about PCOS.
ReWire News
ReWire News is a daily publication providing evidence-based news, commentary, and analysis on sexual and reproductive health and justice issues. The publication seeks to empower people with the information they need in order to protect their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
American Social Health Association (ASHA)
http://www.ashasexualhealth.org
The American Social Health Association (AHSA) advocates on behalf of patients to help improve public health outcomes around sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ASHA provides extensive health information about STI, including factsheets on specific STIs, newsletters, and hotline resources. The website also provides STI statistics, prevention tips, and a sexual health glossary.
Bedsider
Bedsider is an online birth control support network for women, serving as a tool for women to learn about their birth control options. Their website provides information on where to get birth control, allows you to compare birth control methods, and has a reminder tool so that you know when to take your pill, visit your provider, change your patch, etc…
The Emergency Contraception Website
The Emergency Contraception Website is operated by the Office of Population Research at Princeton University and by the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals. The website provides accurate information about emergency conception, including information about correct use, effectiveness, and expected side effects. It also provides a searchable database of emergency contractive providers in the United States and emergency contraceptive pills in every country.
Good Vibrations
Good Vibrations is a woman-focused retailer that offers sex-positive products and accurate sexual health information. It operates brick-and-mortar stores; an online catalog; and extensive sex education on safer sex, sexual knowledge, and erotic anatomy. Good Vibration’s goal is to enhance its customers’ sex lives and promote healthy attitudes about sex.
The Black Women’s Health Imperative
http://www.blackwomenshealth.org
The Black Women’s Health Imperative promotes the empowerment of African American women as educated healthcare consumers and serves as a strong voice for the improved health status of African American women. The organization strives to develop and communicate highly effective and beneficial health information as well as products and programs to African American women. The Imperative can be contacted for health information and for referrals to specific organizations and physicians.
Forward Together
Forward Together works for reproductive justice and social change in partnership with community leaders and organizations. It promotes and protects reproductive justice through organizing, building leadership capacity, developing alliances, and providing education to achieve community-wide and systemic change. The website provides information on how to get involved in reproductive justice work in California throughout the United States. (The organization was formerly called the Asian Communities for Reproductive Justice.)
National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH)
http://www.latinainstitute.org
The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH) is social justice organization that is committed to protecting the right to reproductive health care for Latinas, their families, and their communities. NLIRH focuses on programs that mobilize communities around reproductive rights and advocates for policies that responds to the needs, concerns, and desires of the Latina/o community. The website offers resources on reproductive health and rights specifically within the context of Latina health.
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
NAPAWF is a bridge. We bridge the many issues that confront AAPI women and their communities. We bridge the diversity of the 40-plus language groups that are represented under the Asian and Pacific Islander census category. We bridge the many places where our communities reside. We bridge the many waves of immigration of the AAPI community: mothers to daughters and first generation to 4th generation immigrants. We bridge strategies of individual empowerment with a larger vision of mobilizing power for justice, equality and peace.
Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center
The Native American Women’s Health Education Resource Center addresses the issues of health, education, land and water rights, and economic development of Native American people. The website’s Resource Center provides links to information on native women’s reproductive rights, educational materials, health reports, and action alerts.
Sister Song
The SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective is a coalition of 76 local, regional, and national grassroots organizations and more than 400 individuals working to improve the lives of indigenous women and women of color in the United States. SisterSong is a reproductive justice organization that lifts the voices of indigenous women and women of color to impact issues that affect these communities. The website houses the archives of the Collective Voices Newsletter, provides resources on starting a reproductive justice organization, and offers reproductive justice training materials.
Advocates for Youth
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
Advocates for Youth is an organization dedicated to advancing adolescent reproductive and sexual health and rights. The website provides information and resources for youth activists, policymakers, youth-focused organizations, and the media in both the United States and abroad.
Center for Young Women’s Health
http://www.youngwomenshealth.org
A project of Children’s Hospital Boston, the website offers information on health topics, clinical care, and a variety of programs and services designed to educate and empower girls and young women ages 12-22.
Updated July 2019