Healthcare Failing U.S. Women

The U.S. ranks number six in a TrustLaw poll surveying the best and worst G20 countries for women.

Canada tops the list, while India comes in last at 19.

Why didn’t the U.S. fare better?

The answer lies in the poor state of affordable healthcare. The poll weighed up gender equality, violence against women, and limitations on access to reproductive freedoms.

For American women, the latter let us down.

Could Obama’s Healthcare Reform turn things around for U.S. women?

Increased access to care alone isn’t the answer, says Maureen Bisognano, president of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “America should now pursue the triple aim: better health, better healthcare and lower per capita cost.”

The ratio of maternal mortality in the U.S. has doubled in the last 20 years. Women giving birth in America are at a much higher risk, than other developed countries.

What can women leaders do to push for awareness and action?

“Women must continue to fight for their individual empowerment and freedom at every opportunity,” says Ebony Scurry of Eidolon Career Solutions.

Engaging in local awareness by contacting your representative or donating money to the healthcare cause, helps.

She says it’s up to women to improve conditions. While the government is responsible for creating and implementing best healthcare practices, women must push for the reform.

Bonus PINK Link: Find out how women activists make sure they’re heard.

What do you of the poor U.S. ranking?

By Christina Caldwell

“Women’s empowerment is not just a nice thing to do, but a necessity of good foreign policy.” Condoleezza Rice