[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9279 of May 11, 2015

National Women's Health Week, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The security of quality, affordable health care should not be a
privilege--it should be a fundamental right for every person, regardless
of their sex or gender. Today, the Affordable Care Act is helping to
secure this right for women across our Nation. The law is saving money
for women and their families, and it is saving lives--of our mothers,
daughters, and sisters--and helping more women achieve their fullest
potential. During National Women's Health Week, we reaffirm the belief
that ensuring all women and girls have the opportunity to live full and
healthy lives is vital to their success and to the prosperity of our
Nation; we celebrate the difference the Affordable Care Act has made

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for countless women; and we recommit to building on its success because
we know that when women succeed, America succeeds.
Over the past year, millions of women have gained the security of
knowing their personal and professional goals will not be jeopardized
just because they face a health challenge. Because of the Affordable
Care Act, women can no longer be charged different premiums than men for
the same coverage or be denied insurance based on pre-existing
conditions, such as pregnancy or violence-related injuries. The law also
requires most insurance plans to cover basic health services, including
contraceptive, prenatal, and maternity care. And today, tens of millions
of women are benefiting from expanded access to preventive care under
the law--services which can lead to early detection of some of the many
health challenges that disproportionately affect women. Because these
preventive services--like screenings for breast cancer, domestic
violence, and osteoporosis--are available without cost sharing, women
are not forced to choose between health care necessities and other
essential expenses.
The equality that all women deserve is inextricably linked to
safeguarding access to preventive services and treatment and eliminating
disparities in health outcomes. My Administration is committed to
strengthening the Affordable Care Act, and we are striving to reach all
those who have yet to enroll and gain access to the crucial services it
provides. Every day, we are working to make women's health care more
affordable, increase women's access to sexual and reproductive health
services, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
As we celebrate National Women's Health Week, we rededicate
ourselves to advancing women's health and building a healthy fu-
ture for all women and girls across our country. To learn more and
to access additional information and resources, Americans can visit
www.WomensHealth.gov and www.GirlsHealth.gov.
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 10 through May 16,
2015, as National Women's Health Week. I encourage all Americans to
celebrate the progress we have made in protecting women's health and to
promote awareness, prevention, and educational activities that improve
the health of all women.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA