by Shauna
Web Correspondent
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
In Canada, the number of women employed is now greater than men and America isn't far behind. Massive rounds of layoffs, by which men have been disproportionately impacted in the US, have played a big role in this change. That's an unfortunate reality of the situation, but it also underscores the important role women are going to play in the future of our country’s economy. It also serves to highlight the inequalities between the sexes when it comes to pay and benefits. Men still earn more and women are more likely to work in positions that don't provide benefits such as health insurance.
It is with these facts in mind that it becomes clear how critical a role Health Care Reform will play in the economic recovery. Here's why:
1. Health care reform would enable more women to receive timely and necessary reproductive health care. This access allows women to make the critical family planning decisions that will not only help them enter the workforce but stay there, if they decide to, for as long as they want.
2. Without having to seek positions that offer health insurance, more women can strike out on their own as entrepreneurs. Think of the innovation and economic benefit that could be realized when a person doesn't have to worry about paying for their medication or a doctor's visit.
3. With more women in the workforce, gaps in pay will eventually equalize. With more women working to support their families, greater importance will be placed on pay equity. Not too mention that more women entering the workforce in general will lead to more women in better paying positions and leadership roles.
Despite the current tough economic reality, no one can deny that our country is on the brink of massive changes in the workforce. Health care reform and it's impact on women's access to reproductive health will be critical to our economic recovery.
