Healthcare was a hot topic in the recent election, and with Barack Obama’s election, many women’s health advocates hope to see a reversal of some of the policies added or modified during the Bush administration.

Some of the recent election results may point towards a new policy towards women’s health care. But these policy changes are entirely dependent on the cooperation of Congress. Don’t forget, too, that the supreme court is now filled with a few new pro-life judges. What might we see changed?

Reduced funding for abstinence-only programs: A couple of years ago, then-Senator Obama said that he believes an abstinence-only sex education stance is not effective. He was also a co-sponsor of the Prevention First Act, designed to “expand access to preventive health care services that help reduce unintended pregnancy, reduce the number of abortions, and improve access to women’s health care” by ensuring teens receive accurate information about contraception and sexual health.

Removal of the global gag rule: On his very first day in office, Bush reinstituted the “global gag” rule, which served to restrict federal funding for health clinics in foreign countries if they offered abortions or related services.

Improved access to contraception and pregnancy coverage: Obama’s new healthcare initiative might be the final step needed to ensure all health plans cover contraception. More comprehensive pregnancy coverage may also be included. Another improvement may be better access to contraception for military women overseas. Currently, women who become pregnant while serving in overseas military operations are sent home – immediately, with no opportunity for the morning-after pill or surgical abortion. Since Obama’s healthcare plan includes abortion cover, we can hope to see soldiers afforded the same benefits as the civilians they are protecting.

Reversal of the “conscience” rule: Obama is expected to reverse a rule which was scheduled to be enacted over the next few weeks. The rule would provide free reign for healthcare workers to “opt out” of certain practices they object to on moral grounds – such as prescribing birth control or the morning after pill. This rule is opposed by the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Removal of gender disparity in insurance premiums: Obama’s ambitious healthcare plans aren’t likely to be enacted for some time, with the economic climate putting immense pressure on the federal funds available. But if his plans are enacted, they could ensure that gender discrimination is a thing of the past when it comes to buying health insurance. A recent study by the National Women’s Law Center revealed that a woman may be charged up to 48% more for her insurance than a man of the same age.

photo credit: TheTruthAbout…