Noteboom The Law Firm

New Bill Improves Health Care for Female Veterans

April 1, 2010 - Women are one of the fastest growing segments of the veteran population. Of all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel, approximately 15% are women. There are currently almost 23.4 million veterans, of which 7%, or 1.8 million are women. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has introduced a gender-specific bill to increase and improve health care for female veterans.

If passed, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act would begin studies aimed at how female veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan deal with conflicts and stresses both physically and mentally. More than that, the bill would train the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to look into the obstacles facing women attempting to get health care through the VA system with direct focus on:

• Child care availability
• The personal safety and comfort of female veterans

 Over the next 5 years it is estimated the amount of women using the VA health care system is going to double. One major hurdle the VA health care system has faced recently is being able to provide female gender-specific health and mental care. Reports have found the amount of women that have experienced sexual trauma while in the military is as high as 22%.

Senator Murray has a long history of ensuring veterans are given the benefits and care owed to them by this country. Hopefully this bill will pass and America's newest veteran population will be given the specialized treatment they deserve.