The Whitehouse Women’s Update: A New Day for Women!‏

Women’s Update: A New Day for Women!

 

Greetings All –

We hope this message finds you well. There’s a lot going on in the world of Council of Women and Girls this week, but first we wanted to make sure you had a chance to see the President’s statement on the shooting in Wisconsin. You can find it below.

Last week, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, women took another step forward in taking control of our health.

As Senior Advisor to the President and Chair of the White House Council on Women & Girls, Valerie Jarrett, shares in her blog post, beginning the first plan year after August 1, 2012, most private health insurance plans will cover additional women’s preventive services without requiring women to pay an extra penny out of their pockets.

In addition to the benefits for women already included in the Affordable Care Act, such as coverage of maternity benefits, the new guidelines will help women meet their unique health needs including:

Well-woman visits.

• Gestational diabetes screening that helps protect pregnant women from one of the most serious pregnancy-related diseases.
• Domestic and interpersonal violence screening and counseling.
• FDA-approved contraceptive methods, and contraceptive education and counseling.
• Breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling.
• HPV DNA testing, for women 30 or older.
• Sexually transmitted infections counseling for sexually-active women.
• HIV screening and counseling for sexually-active women.
• These preventive services help women stay healthy, and because they enhance long-term detection and treatment, they also reduce long-term health costs. By eliminating barriers like copays, co-insurance, and deductibles, these guidelines will help improve access to affordable, quality health care for most women.

Please take a moment to read about the new guidelines by visiting HealthCare.gov, and contact your insurer for questions regarding your specific plan.

Vice President Biden Urges Congress to Act Now to Protect Women

Last Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden wrote an op-ed urging Congress to pass the bipartisan version of the Violence Against Women Act approved by the U.S. Senate. Click here to read the full text.

“Mother, Sister, Daughter, Leader”: African American Women’s Forum

Last week, the White House hosted an African American Women’s Forum, bringing women from across the nation together for an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to women in the African American community, including health care, education, and the economy. First Lady Michelle Obama surprised guests to provide some of her thoughts on the theme, “Mother, Sister, Daughter, Leader,” an idea she fully embodies.

President Obama Calls to Congratulate the US Women’s Gymnastic Team!

President Barack Obama talks on the phone with members of the U.S. Olympic women’s gymnastics team during a phone call from Air Force One, Aug. 1, 2012. The President called the women to congratulate them on their gold medal in the team competition. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

 

President Obama’s Statement on the Shooting in Wisconsin

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the shooting that tragically took so many lives in Wisconsin. At this difficult time, the people of Oak Creek must know that the American people have them in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were killed and wounded. My Administration will provide whatever support is necessary to the officials who are responding to this tragic shooting and moving forward with an investigation. As we mourn this loss which took place at a house of worship, we are reminded how much our country has been enriched by Sikhs, who are a part of our broader American family.

The President also convened a call with FBI Director Bob Mueller, Chief of Staff Jack Lew, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan to receive an update on the tragic shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. A readout of the call is available here.

In Case You Missed It:

STEM Master Teacher Corps
Obama Administration official hosted a conversation on the creation of a new national Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Master Teacher Corps – a networked community of talented educators serving as a national resource committed to advancing STEM teaching and learning.

Starting with 50 teachers in each of 50 sites, the STEM Master Teacher Corps will eventually expand to 10,000 educators across the country, who will make a multi-year commitment to deepening their subject matter expertise, mentoring other teachers, and building a community of practice where they live and teach. In exchange, Master Teachers will receive recognition and rewards, including additional compensation, for their work as a Corps member.

Marking the 22nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Last Thursday, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett delivered remarks at the White House observance of the 22nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law was based on the fundamental principle that Americans with disabilities should have the same basic rights and opportunities as everyone else, and it established America as a world leader on disability rights. Read the President’s proclamation recognizing the 22nd anniversary of the ADA.

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