Health - ForceChange

Include More Women in AIDS Research

Although women make up a quarter of the 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S., they are drastically underrepresented in clinical trials. It’s incredibly important to test new treatments on both men and women, as women may react differently to medications. Tell U.S. AIDS research foundations to expand their outreach efforts to more women so everyone may gain new knowledge and understanding of this disease.

Continue Offering Health Insurance to University Students

Rather than comply with federal mandates to cover contraception, Catholic universities are beginning to forgo offering insurance coverage to students altogether. Students would be forced to find their own plans or pay out of pocket for health care. Urge these universities to find a way to provide health coverage to students rather than eliminating it altogether.

Stop Kansas From Preventing Access to Birth Control

Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas has signed into law a controversial bill which would allow pharmacists to refuse to dispense medication they ‘reasonably believe’ might cause an abortion. This law was intended to protect the pharmacists of Kansas, but instead allows them to solely decide whether or not a woman may get a drug that she may need for any number of medical reasons.

Help Reduce America’s Maternal Mortality Rate

Despite spending more money on healthcare than any other country, the United States ranks 41st in the world when it comes to the overall maternal mortality rate. More than two women per day die from delivery related complications, and there is an even greater instance of death and complication for women of minority groups. It is time to take action and urge the U.S. Government to ensure that proper care is provided for all expectant mothers in America.

Stop Medical Sexism

Medical sexism occurs when a doctor is more likely to dismiss a woman’s symptoms than similar symptoms experienced by a man. The practice of medical sexism is widespread and costing women their health and sometimes even their lives. Please help stop medical sexism.

Arizona to Cut Off Funding for Planned Parenthood

Late last week, at a reception for the Susan B. Anthony List (an organization committed to getting pro-life officials elected to office), Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed into law a bill that would prohibit the state or local government from using public money to fund any organization that provides abortions as a service—a move many view as a direct attack Planned Parenthood.

Raise Awareness about Health Concerns for Lesbian Women

Lesbian and bisexual women are at higher risk than heterosexual women for developing many diseases. Yet, homosexual women are less likely to attend routine physical examinations in order to screen for such diseases. Additionally, due to both stigmatization and a lack of awareness, health care providers tend to ignore the health concerns of lesbian and bisexual women. We can help by making lesbian and bisexual women aware of their risks while also urging providers to be more open with their patients and not to discriminate against women based on their sexual orientation.

Don’t Deny Funding to International Pro-Choice Organizations

House Republicans have proposed a budget that would block federal funding to organizations that provide abortion services to underserved populations abroad. However, these organizations also provide vital health care services such as STI and HIV prevention and birth control to people who otherwise would not have access to them. Tell representatives to protect these funds and support everyone’s right to reproductive health care.

Support Legislation that would Preserve Planned Parenthood Funding

Republican Congressman Bob Dold is taking a stand for women’s health care and Planned Parenthood. Despite attacks from fellow Republicans, he recently introduced new legislation that would help preserve funding for Planned Parenthood. Support Rep. Dold’s commitment to family planning and women’s reproductive health services.

Don’t Punish Canadian Soldier for Speaking Out About Military Health Services

A soldier from Manitoba, Canada spoke to the media about a lack of medical and mental health services in the military, against the orders of a superior to keep quiet. He now could face two charges and could receive a fine of up to $800, time in a military jail, or both. Tell the National Defence not to discipline Cpl. Stoesz for speaking out, and to ensure adequate health services for military personnel.

Don’t Make Cancer Patients Wait For Life-Saving Drugs

A bipartisan bill that would help prevent drug shortages for cancer patients has been stuck in Committee for over a year. With twenty-eight different cancer drugs now in shortage, and more than half a million patients at risk, Congress must move to pass this bill immediately.

Ban Bacteria-Breeding ‘Meat Glue’ From Restaurants

A bacteria-based adhesive allows restaurants to glue small steaks together into prime cuts, but the process traps live and potentially hazardous bacteria in the meat. Ask the U.S. Department of Health to ban this disgusting and dangerous additive from restaurants across the country.

Oppose Anti-Choice State Medicaid Bill

A proposed bill would force states to discontinue programs that provide abortion funding to low-income women. Although the policy claims to be giving states more say on how they spend their Medicaid dollars, it would place more restrictions on them and require them to purchase expensive separate coverage plans. Tell our representatives to let the states that have chosen to provide assistance to low-income women keep their current plans in place.

Veterans In Illinois Need Greater Access To Service Dogs

Illinois veterans suffering from PTSD need greater access to service dogs. These highly trained resources engender long-term rehabilitation through daily therapy of the devastating effects of PTSD. Illinois must pass legislation expanding the use of service dogs for its veterans with PTSD.

Kids Under 18 Should Be Allowed To Play Outside

A new rule in a Florida community prohibits children under the age of 18 from going outside without a parent. Tell the community’s management company that this draconian rule robs children of an enriching childhood where they can learn to explore the world around them.

Immediately Address HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Black America

Black Americans account for 10 to 12% of the total population, while accounting for 50% of all new HIV/AIDS cases in the U.S. Current strategy addresses populations that are disproportionately at risk, but fails to specifically allocate health care reform to and for these communities. Our government must come up with a strategy that explicitly addresses and serves Black America.

Delaware Must Provide Insurance Coverage For Autistic Children

A proposal in Delaware would ensure insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of children with autism. Early intervention can enable autistic children to become highly functioning individuals, however treatment can cost upwards of $50,000 per year. Make sure the Delaware General Assembly votes on this bill by showing your support and signing this petition.

Fight Childhood Hunger: Provide Affordable Lunches to Low Income Children

Access to the free and reduced school lunch program is being threatened by a new bill in Congress. The free and reduced school lunch program serves millions of poor children across the country and helps to address childhood hunger. Urge Congress to preserve access to this school lunch program for low income students.

Protest Governor Scott’s Decision to Cut Funding for Rape Crisis Centers

Recently, Florida Governor Rick Scott chose to slash funding for the state’s rape crisis centers. Florida’s 67 counties will lose out on a total of $1.5 million in rape crisis money, leaving approximately 700,000 female rape victims at an awful disadvantage. Tell Governor Scott that this line-item veto is a slap in the face to victims of rape.

Stand Up For Wrongfully Fired Medical Marijuana User

Medical marijuana is the only thing keeping Joseph Casias from suffering constant pain as a result of an enormous brain tumor, but he still was fired by Wal-Mart when he tested positive for the drug. Michigan law protects medical marijuana patients from being wrongfully fired, but all charges against Wal-Mart for their illegal actions have been thrown out of court so far. Stand behind Casias by letting the courts know that wrongful termination of medical marijuana patients won’t be tolerated.

Ban Emaciated Models from New York Fashion Week

Extremely skinny fashion models are not only risking their health, but the health of the entire nation. Idealizing emaciated models is causing the spread of eating disorders and also risking the health of the models themselves.

Provide Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for School Lunches

The government has proposed a rule that would provide fresh fruits and vegetables to elementary school lunches. With childhood obesity in the U.S. on the rise, it is absolutely imperative to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age. Tell the government to continue prioritizing the health of America’s children and provide them healthy food options.

Don’t Let Ohio Defund Planned Parenthood

Ohio lawmakers have proposed cutting $1.7 million in funding to Planned Parenthood health centers. This move would effectively defund an organization that thousands of women rely on every day for their health care needs. Tell Ohio Governor John R. Kasich to prioritize reproductive and sexual health care, not block access to it.

Stop the Hypocrisy: Start Putting Healthy Women on the Cover of Health Magazines

Millions of women in this country are unhealthy and dying from eating disorders. Women’s Health Magazine, a magazine that is supposed to be teaching women how to eat well and live a healthy lifestyle, continually puts underweight models and actresses on the cover. This savage hypocrisy needs to end now.

Increase the Use of Condoms Among Sex Workers

Currently, possession of condoms can be used as evidence for prostitution and in New York State police officers are confiscating condoms from sex workers as evidence against them. According to a study, this is leading to sex workers having unsafe sex, which increases the spread of sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

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