You've Come A Long Way, Ladies!

Just over 2 weeks ago, the Institute of Medicine made several recommendations for women's preventive services in order to "improve well-being, and/or decrease the likelihood or delay the onset of a targeted disease or condition".  Specifically, the IOM recommended the following:

• improved screening for cervical cancer, counseling for sexually transmitted infections, and counseling and screening for HIV;
• a fuller range of contraceptive education, counseling, methods, and services so that women can better avoid unwanted pregnancies and space their pregnancies to promote optimal birth outcomes;
• services for pregnant women including screening for gestational diabetes and lactation counseling and equipment to help women who choose to breastfeed do so successfully;
• at least one well-woman preventive care visit annually for women to receive comprehensive services; and
• screening and counseling for all women and adolescent girls for interpersonal and domestic violence in a culturally sensitive and supportive manner.

And just 2 days ago, the Department of Health & Human Services announced that these recommendations would be implemented starting January 1, 2013, including free birth control.  Of course, what's an announcement w/o controversy?  Some religious authorities argue that because pregnancy is not a disease, it should not be prevented by any means possible.  Others feel that this measure shifts the cost of burden to other consumers. 

Regardless of which side of the fence you stand, we've come a long way since the days prior to the 19th Amendment and Title IX.  Perhaps at some point in the future, we'll even look at healthcare as a right and not a privilege.  In the meantime, lest you think these benefits are sexist, remember that last year, HHS required all new private insurance plans to provide evidence-based preventive services, including mammograms, colonoscopies, blood pressure checks, and childhood immunizations without charging a copayment, deductible, or coinsurance.