National Women's Health Network

• There is worth in women's personal accounts of their experiences, and health policy should echo women's diverse experiences.
• The normal changes that women experience over their lifetimes should not be over treated.
• Every woman should have access to quality health care.
• Information given to women to direct their health decisions should be motivated by evidence rather than profit.
• Government has the responsibility to provide for the health and welfare of all people.
• Scientific analysis that takes into account systems of oppression and power is valuable to all.

These are the 12 main priorities, AKA "pillars", of TNWHN as of 2022, that have been updated to be more inclusive [15]

1. Aging Women
2. Maternal Health[16] - Black women being three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, not including factors such as insurance, socioeconomic status or even location. Practices of racism such as employment discrimination, voter suppression and redlining limit many women of color from accessible maternal healthcare.[17] Even Implicit bias can have a role in hospital settings. For these reasons NWHN's approach to take on this challenge is to support small organizations such as, the Baobab Birth Collection,[18] Black Women Green Future,[19] and The Changing Woman Initiative;[20] which are grassroots organizations that are already working to help pregnant and post-partum people. The Network is also building on past work through their "Raising Women's Voices" program which fundraises for assistance to all maternal health groups all across America.[21]
3. Sexual and Reproductive Health
4. Abortion
5. Contraception
6. Disability
7. FDA Advocacy
8. Breast Health [22] - In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime[23] and are at a higher risk of being diagnosed than men.[24] More specifically, breast cancer is more predominate in Hispanic women [25] yet Black women are more at risk as they have a higher chance of death from breast cancer.[26] The NWHN has been working on increasing breast cancer research funding.[27] Additionally, the NWHN motivated the FDA to increase the study of breast implants and awareness in the late 20th century.[28]
9. Chronic Conditions
10. LGBTQAI+ Health
11. Mental Health and Wellbeing - Women between the ages of 18 and 45 are the majority of those who suffer from depression.[29] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, women have self-reported even more increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.[30] The pandemic was found to be more taxing for women both at home and in the workplace. Nearly 3/4 of healthcare workers are women, many of whom were on the frontlines during this time.[31] The NWHN is working to increase policy to protect and help women who are struggling with their mental health.[32]
12. The Social Determinants of Health

The National Women's Health Network helped found Raising Women's Voices, a national initiative that advocates affordable healthcare for everyone. Raising Women's Voices wants to ensure the national discourse on healthcare reform takes the needs of women into account. Other founding members include Mergerwatch and the Avery Institute for Social Change. Raising Women's Voices includes a list of 26 principles including:

• High quality health care for all.
• Ensure provision of the full range of reproductive and women's health services. Such services should include, but are not limited to, maternity care, pre- and post-natal care, contraception, abortion, treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and fertility treatment;
• Include comprehensive dental care for both children and adults.
• Actively address and work to eliminate racial, ethnic, gender and class disparities in health care access, as well as disparities due to immigration status, disabilities and sexual or gender identity.[33]

The NWHN publishes independently researched fact sheets and position papers on a variety of women's health topics including breast cancer, endometriosis, cervical cancer, fibroids, menopause and hormonal therapy, mammograms, abortion, and hysterectomy. Every publication is from an objective, feminist perspective without endorsing any specific treatment plan or method.[34]

The National Women's Health Network publishes a bimonthly newsletter, The Women's Health Activist. The Women's Health Activist has been in circulation since 1976, but was known as the Network News up until 2001. The newsletter includes articles by NWHN board members, staff members, and contributors from diverse organizations and institutions. Recent contributors have included the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, Georgetown University, the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, PharmedOut, and SisterLove, Inc.

Content consists of independently researched articles on current events, health policy, awareness campaigns, informational topics, and medical updates. Articles in the Women's Health Activist have spoken out against many government actions including the FDA's re-approval of silicone gel breast implants.[35] The newsletter also includes a Young Feminist section, written by current interns or other young professionals in the health activist field.[36]

• Kimberly Robinson - Chair
• Kentina Washington-Leapheart - Action Vice Chair