[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E843]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleagues of 
the Women's Caucus to discuss the importance of women's health.
  It is an especially appropriate topic because this week is National 
Women's Health Week.
  As a Caucus, we are working hard to improve health for all women. 
From protecting Social Security and strengthening Medicare to working 
for equality for all women.
  And we are working to add a reliable, affordable prescription drug 
benefit.
  Today, there are 6 million more women in the United States than men. 
Women are 51 percent of the U.S. population.
  And the projected life expectancy for women in this country is 80 
years.
  Therefore, we must ensure that the progress we have made to improve 
women's health continues.
  To this point, I urge my distinguished colleagues to join me in the 
following measures.
  I am working to improve the health and well-being of women--young and 
old.
  On May 2nd, I, joined with Mrs. Morella of Maryland, reintroduced the 
Osteoporosis Early Detection and Prevention Act, H.R. 1683.
  May marks Osteoporosis Prevention Month. Osteoporosis is a disease 
characterized by low bone mass or brittle bones. The statistics are 
startling. 71 percent of women with osteoporosis are not diagnosed, 
leaving them at increased risk for fractures. And osteoporosis causes 
300,000 new hip fractures each year. My bill would require private 
insurers to reimburse for bone mass measurement. Prevention and early 
detection are critical in combating this disease.
  Last week, Congresswoman Kelly and I reintroduced the Cancer 
Screening Coverage Act, H.R. 1809, to give everyone a fighting chance 
in detecting cancer at its earliest stages. CASCA as we call this bill, 
applies to private health insurance plans and to the Federal Employees 
Health Benefits plan, requiring these plans to cover cancer screenings.
  Cancer screening allows for the detection of cancer in its earliest 
form, when the cost of treatment is the least. And more importantly, it 
is estimated that the rate of survival would increase from 80% to 95% 
if all Americans participated in regular cancer screenings. The 
legislation we introduced has the power to save thousands of lives.
  I am also working with my distinguished colleague, Connie Morella, to 
make women's health research a priority. We, joined by many members of 
the Women's Caucus, introduced the Women's Health Office Act, H.R. 
1784, to make the women's health offices at the Department of Health 
and Human Services permanent.
  And for our littlest people and their moms, I have introduced the 
Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which supports and protects mothers who 
choose to breastfeed. Everyday, new medical studies are released 
highlighting the positive health effects of breastfeeding for both 
mother and child. Just today, a new study was released showing that 
breastfed babies are less likely to become overweight children.
  Again, let's celebrate National Women's Health Week. We must continue 
to work hard to ensure that the priorities of our nation include 
policies that protect and promote the health and well-being of women 
and their families. I urge my colleagues to join me on these measures.

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