“How U.S. Employers Can Support Women’s Health,” by Michelle Moniz et al.

 Tue 05 July 2022 

Invest in Women’s Health

When you look at rates of pregnancy-related death, preventable death, chronic health conditions, and mental health care needs, it’s clear that there is a women’s health crisis in the U.S. Employers can play an instrumental role in combating it. Here are three measures your organization can take. Provide quality health insurance. Seek comprehensive insurance plans that include coverage for pregnancy, access to safe abortion, childbirth, and postpartum care without high deductibles. Offer paid parental leave. Paid leave doesn’t just benefit maternal and infant health; it benefits everyone. What’s more, research shows that longer paid parental leave keeps more women in the workforce. Redesign the workplace to support women. Consider offering on-site, subsidized child care, spaces for pumping breaks and breastfeeding, and flexible work-hour arrangements to accommodate appointments and caregiving responsibilities.

This tip is adapted from “How U.S. Employers Can Support Women’s Health,” by Michelle Moniz et al.