[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8516--MAY 7, 2010

Proclamation 8516 of May 7, 2010
National Women's Health Week, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

In recent decades, our Nation has made extraordinary progress in
promoting women's health issues. However, far too many women remain
underserved and we must continue working to ensure all women can access
medical services, receive fair treatment, and make healthy choices.
During National Women's Health Week, we recommit to breaking existing
barriers and improving the health of American women for generations to
come.
Many American women face significant obstacles in caring for themselves
and their families. That is why my Administration fought tirelessly to
pass the Affordable Care Act, which I recently signed into law. This
landmark legislation gives Americans greater control over their health
care decisions and access to affordable and equitable insur-

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ance. It lowers costs for women and prohibits insurance companies from
overcharging because of gender or denying coverage due to a pre-existing
condition. The Affordable Care Act also requires that new health care
plans cover preventive care, routine screenings, and regular checkups,
as well as basic pediatric services for children. These services are
vital to maintaining individual well-being, and empower women when
making choices for themselves and their families. Visit HealthReform.gov
to learn more about how the Affordable Care Act benefits Americans
across the country.
We have taken steps to provide access to high-quality, affordable health
care, but individuals must also lead healthy lives and set a good
example for their children. From scheduling regular medical examinations
to applying sunscreen, simple, everyday activities can make a positive
impact on the lives of women. Regular exercise, coupled with a
nutritious diet, helps prevent heart disease, obesity, and other chronic
conditions. Visit WomensHealth.gov and GirlsHealth.gov for more
information and resources on women's health issues. I also encourage
Americans to visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Administration/EOP/CWG to learn
about the White House Council on Women and Girls--a body I created to
bring women's issues to the forefront, and to emphasize women's roles as
full partners in shaping and implementing our Nation's policies.
The health of American women and girls is not just a women's issue; all
Americans have a vested interest. Women are the foundation of many
families, and by encouraging their wellness, we also promote the
vitality of our children and our communities. By standing firm in our
commitment to improve women's health, we can give our daughters and
granddaughters--and all Americans--a brighter future.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 9-15, 2010, as
National Women's Health Week. I encourage all Americans to celebrate the
progress we have made in protecting women's health and promote
prevention, awareness, and educational activities that improve the
health of all women.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA