I 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5224 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 5, 2010 Ms. Tsongas (for herself, Ms. Shea-Porter, Ms. Giffords, and Mr. Bishop of Georgia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a comprehensive review of the health care services available for female members of the Armed Forces.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Women’s Excellence of Care and Accessibility Review and Evaluation Act or the WE CARE Act.

2.

Review of women-specific health services and treatment for female members of the Armed Forces

(a)

Comprehensive Review

The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of— (1)the availability, efficacy, and adequacy of reproductive health care services available for female members of the Armed Forces, including gynecological services and breast and cervical cancer services; (2)the availability, efficacy, and adequacy of primary and preventive health care services for women (as defined in section 1074d(b) of title 10, United States Code); (3)the need for and availability of women-specific treatment for sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual abuse; and (4)the extent to which military medical treatment facilities are following the policies of the Department of Defense with respect to women-specific health services. (b)

Matters Included

The review required by subsection (a) shall include an assessment of the following: (1)The need for women-specific health outreach, prevention, and treatment services for female members of the Armed Forces. (2)The access to and efficacy of existing women-specific mental health outreach, prevention, and treatment services and programs (including substance abuse programs). (3)The availability of women-specific services and treatment for female members of the Armed Forces who experience sexual harassment, sexual assault, or sexual abuse. (4)The access to and need for military medical treatment facilities focusing on the women-specific health care needs of female members of the Armed Forces. (5)The need for further clinical research on the women-specific health care needs of female members of the Armed Forces who served in a combat zone. (c)

Report

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review required by subsection (a).