Women's health and health reform: implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
OBJECTIVE
An overview of provisions in the 2010 health reform legislation with implications for women's health and obstetrician-gynecologists.


RESULTS
Between now and 2014, provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will expand access to health coverage, primary care, and preventive services. Other provisions relate to federal abortion funding, medical liability, and disparities.


CONCLUSIONS
From a life-course perspective, ACA makes it feasible to link preconception, prenatal, family planning, and other care in a seamless continuum for women of childbearing age. Now is the time to implement a comprehensive well woman standard of care.
Department of Health Policy, School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University Washington, District of Columbia, USA. kay.johnson@johnsongci.com
Kay A
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Johnson
D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D058991:Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*