[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              DON'T DENY COVERAGE TO THE WOMEN WHO NEED IT

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 1994

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Mental Illness Awareness week 
this week--October 2-8, 1994--I rise to draw attention to the fact that 
the health needs of women are often neglected, and women's mental 
health is no exception. Most health care program limit the number of 
outpatient visits and inpatient hospital days patients may have in a 
calendar year for mental health and substance abuse treatment. These 
limits have an especially disproportionate effect on women.
  Women are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression 
than men and this depression often peaks during childbearing years. 
Although some depression can be treated effectively with medication, 
pregnant and nursing women cannot take medication.
  A significant portion of mental illness in women is a result of 
violent crime or domestic violence. In fact, approximately one-third of 
women have a history of sexual abuse. Many of those traumatized develop 
symptoms of emotional illness. One of every five rape victims is so 
emotionally traumatized that she attempts suicide. Who would deny these 
women their needed care?
  In order for women to receive the necessary care, mental health and 
substance abuse benefits must be comprehensive, without arbitrary 
limits. As Dr. Judith Herman, training director of the Victims of 
Violence Program at Harvard Medical School's Cambridge Hospital says, 
``society does not adequately protect women. For God's sake, at least 
please let me treat them.''

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