Congresswoman Matsui, Local Women's Health Leaders Hold Panel Discussion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 16, 2012

CONTACT: ALANA JUTEAU
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Matsui, Local Women's Health Leaders Hold Panel Discussion

CA Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) hosted a women's health panel discussion at Sacramento State. Congresswoman Matsui was joined by representatives from Sacramento State's Women's Resource Center and Associated Students, Inc.; UC Davis Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; and Women's Health Specialists.

As we celebrate Women's History Month and the approaching second anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, it is important that we take note of how far we have come for women's health, and commit ourselves to continuing to strengthen it, said Congresswoman Matsui. We have seen and heard a number of attacks on women's health in recent weeks, and I believe that it is important for Sacramento's women to know we are fighting for them. I hope this panel can answer some questions, eliminate misconceptions, and energize our local women.

The same women who need preventative services are our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, said Dr. Mitchell Creinin, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UC Davis. Preventative services that are unique to women, Pap testing, mammography and contraception, save lives. Just as importantly, the benefits extend beyond the individual and serve a public good."

Shauna Heckert, Executive Director of Women's Health Specialist of California, said, Access to Reproductive Health Care and Family Planning Services are at a critical juncture in the U.S. health care system. The decisions on what kind of heath care our families will receive and under what circumstances should be made without a political or religious agenda. All options in women's health care should remain available, and the rich diversity of the country should be represented in the policy making process.

"We must reject the negative stigma being forced on women today and fight to ensure comprehensive health information and access for all, said Megan Seely, Professor and Sociology Department Chair, Sierra College.

We must continue to help women care for their health, especially those powerless to advocate for themselves, said Dr. Patty Woodward, Faculty Fellow for Sacramento State's Women's Resource Center.

Liz Redford, Vice President of Sacramento State's Associated Students, Inc., added, Student activists like Sandra Fluke and those at Sac State represent courage in continuing the battle for women's rights, and access to education and health care are vital to helping us reach our potential.

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