PROGRESSNOW NM (http://progressnownm.org/tag/healthcare/)
“Conversations With Democrats” sponsored by the Federation of Democratic Women of Dona Ana County will have Dr. James Lenhart, MD, FAAFP, MPH, Prominent Physician, Author and Healthcare Advocate from Tacoma, WA leading our conversation on Saturday, July 22, 2 pm
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) desperately wanted to have the US Senate vote on healthcare repeal before the July 4th recess because he was afraid that healthcare supporters (everyone but the 12% of Americans who approve of the bill) would have time to organize opposition. It turns out he was right, and for good reason. As healthcare experts and advocacy groups learn more about the bill, the worse the plan looks for average Americans, including hundreds-of-thousands of New Mexicans who would lose access to care. Need a quick update? Here are three simple stats that explain just what the Republican Senate healthcare bill would mean to New Mexicans.
New Mexico is one of many states suffering from an opioid epidemic. Stories about states battling the grips of overdose and the overwhelming instances of treatment, hospitalization, and death of addicts have been the focus of national media lately.
This new and brilliant protocol allows pharmacists to write prescriptions for hormonal contraceptives, allowing women with limited access to doctors to more easily get birth control.
Birth control has meant that women have more opportunity and better control over their own lives. We’ve made important progress for women’s health. The rate of unintended pregnancy is at an all-time low, thanks in part to expanded access to birth control. People in this country, and especially New Mexico, do not want to see that progress rolled back.
New Mexico voters elected Hillary Clinton, not Donald Trump in 2016. But that hasn’t stopped New Mexico’s lone Pro-Trump Congressman Steve Pearce from voting with Trump 93% of the time – including for the repeal of Obamacare and replacement with Trumpcare. Congress is on recess this week – home in their districts where they watch local news and hear from voters. We asked real New Mexicans to tell their own healthcare stories and what Pearce and Trump’s cuts – including to rural hospitals, reproductive care for women and Medicaid for a working mom and her child – mean to real New Mexicans. Watch these stories.
As Americans, we are guaranteed the opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and those rights are bravely defended by those wearing the uniforms of our armed service. Some have given their all while serving in uniform and it’s their memory we honor this weekend. For those who come home from conflicts, the battle isn’t always left behind. On this Memorial Day, we are taking the time to put a lens on what recent decisions by the Trump administration mean for those who protect and serve our country. Another fight is upon us all as we experience the impact of sweeping decisions made by the current administration under the hand of President Donald Trump.
This just happened
A bill that makes it possible for pregnant women to continue to work through their pregnancies to support themselves and their families cleared its first hurdle by passing out of a state House committee last week. The Pregnant Worker Accommodation Bill (HB 179) requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations to women who are pregnant and must adjust duties that may challenge their health and their pregnancy.” The bill, sponsored by Representatives Gail Chasey (D – Bernalillo), Deborah A. Armstrong (D – Bernalillo), and Joanne Ferrary (D – Doña Ana), sparked a lively debate between House Democrats and Republicans and was supported by impassioned testimonies on both sides of the aisle. The bill now moves on to the House Judiciary Committee. From the New Mexico Political Report:
“We’re trying to alert women and employers that women don’t need to necessarily quit their jobs or stay home if there’s a small accommodation made to keep working,” state Rep. Gail Chasey, D-Albuquerque and sponsor of the legislation, said at the hearing.
“We’re going to ensure that regardless of what they do federally, in New Mexico we take care of women and families and let them choose what’s best for them in deciding if and when and how often to have children.” — Rep. Deborah Armstrong, D-Albuquerque
Respect New Mexico Women, a coalition of organizations, supporters, and healthcare providers launched their 2017 legislative campaign today at the NM State Capitol. In a packed meeting room, the Respect Campaign described three bills the coalition will introduce in committee during the 2017 New Mexico Legislative Session. The bills are designed to protect and expand legislation that safeguards reproductive healthcare for women. Read about the Respect Campaign Press Conference at NM Political Report.