Now that both Attorney General Rob McKenna and U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, are seeking the governor’s office in 2012, it made me think about the significance of this race for the women and families of Washington, especially in regard to the implementation of health care reform. It’s important to keep in mind that the Affordable Care Act will protect Washington residents with pre-existing conditions who will be guaranteed coverage, and protect women against gender discrimination by private insurers. It will allow the more than 100,000 women in this state in need of improved access to family planning services the ability to get the care they need, including cervical and breast cancer screenings and contraception.
My greatest concern is regarding McKenna’s bid for governor. In his capacity as attorney general, McKenna joined the multistate lawsuit to block these reforms essential for women’s health, and as a result, his stance on the matter is putting women in our state in a vulnerable situation. We must consider where candidates stand on the issues important to the quality of our lives, like making sure women and families have access to quality, affordable health care.
Andreea I. Oltean
Vancouver
