Real Stories on Why Health Reform Helps Women

Friday marks the two-year anniversary of President Obama signing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law.

This landmark piece of legislation brings 30 million Americans into a health-care system that includes affordable family-planning services, better access to contraception, and maternity care. It represents one of the greatest advances for women's health in a generation.

Every day this week, Blog for Choice will share a story from someone who has benefited from the health-reform law.

Today, we hear from Karen in Michigan:

So far, the health-care program has paid for my mammogram, a Pap smear, and three immunizations. I could get by without them for a year, or I could pay my own way with my $150/week salary. More importantly, at age 59-plus, I would soon be priced out of the insurance market. I could potentially have a heart attack or stroke and die because I couldn't afford to pay for care. I don't want to be bankrupt, and I don't want to be a burden to my family. Yet, I am the only one in my immediate family who works, but insurance isn't offered and I don't qualify for Medicaid.

Next week, the Supreme Court will begin to hear three days of arguments from opponents who want to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

If these efforts are successful, the results would be devastating for women like Karen.