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Chapter 3: Women and Health Care

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DOI:

10.1891/9780826190048.0003

Authors

  • Woods, Nancy Fugate
  • Olshansky, Ellen F.
  • Ward, Deborah

Abstract

This chapter examines concepts of sex and gender as basis for considering gender-sensitive health care and reviews sexism and gender bias as they have existed in United States health care, education of health professionals, and research. It analyzes policy challenges within existing health care “systems” in the U.S, including progress and promise of health care reform and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The chapter explores a gender-sensitive approach to health care for women, including integration for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in primary care and lifespan approaches. Important contribution to women’s health care has been the development of mental health counseling and psychotherapy models tailored to women. Laws prohibiting trafficking, circumcision, and mutilation of girls are necessary, as are policies for reporting, educating, preventing, and punishing sexual harassment, abuse, and slavery of women. Laws supporting women’s decisions about abortion, family size, and preventing female infanticide are needed.