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AMWA Launches Letter Writing Campaign to Fight "Smith Bill"
Brittany Jackson, AMWA Advocacy Chair
What is the Smith Bill? The Smith Bill, otherwise known as H.R. 3 or the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act,” is a bill first introduced to the House of Representatives by Representative Christopher Smith of New Jersey. In short, this bill prohibits use of federal funds for abortion, use of federal funds for health coverage that includes abortion, and the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by any federal or District of Columbia or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government or the District. In addition, the Smith Bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to disqualify, for purposes of the tax deduction for medical expenses, any amounts paid for an abortion. This will result in increased taxes for both individuals and small businesses that provide coverage for their employees. On May 4, 2011, the bill passed in the House of Representatives and now awaits voting in the Senate.
What are the possible consequences if the Smith Bill should pass in the Senate? The Smith bill will take away the private health insurance benefits women currently have. Passage of the Smith bill could result in private health insurance companies dropping abortion coverage altogether. This will force women to either purchase additional coverage in advance or pay out-of-pocket for an abortion. Because the Smith bill does not contain any exception for abortions necessary to protect women’s health from complications such as cancer or heart and lung conditions, these women will face risk to their health or risk bankruptcy. Passage of the Smith bill will result in a tax increase for millions of women and men, as well as small businesses that offer employees comprehensive coverage, because neither will be able to claim existing tax deductions for the cost of healthcare. Current law prohibits federal funding of abortion, except in cases of rape, incest, and when the pregnant woman’s life is in danger. Millions of women who rely on public health insurance, such as Medicaid, and federal government employees, are unable to access comprehensive coverage, even if their health is in danger. The Smith bill perpetuates these dangerous restrictions on abortion.
What can we do now? Take part in our letter-writing campaign! Your opinion matters to your Senators, especially as a future physician. Please see the attached materials to help get your chapter involved in speaking out against the Smith Bill. Please visit the Library of Congress’s website (THOMAS) for more detailed information about this bill, including the text of the legislation.
More Information:
“H.R. 3, Bill Summary and Status.” The Library of Congress: THOMAS. Washington, DC.
“Smith Bill Activist Center.” Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Washington, DC; New York, NY.
Spotlight On… Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Brittany Jackson, AMWA Advocacy Chair
The Facts:
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One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
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An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year.
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85% of domestic violence victims are women.
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Historically, females have been most often victimized by someone they knew.
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Females who are 20-24 years of ageare at the greatest risk of nonfatal intimate partner violence.
The History: Tips for Screening
Remember RADAR: R – routinely screen female patients, A – ask direct questions, D – document your findings, A – assess patient safety, R – respond, review options, and refer
Questions to ask:
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Is there anyone who has physically or sexually hurt or frightened you?
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Have you ever been hit, kicked, or punched by your partner?
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Does your partner try to control your activities or your money?
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I notice you have a number of bruises; did someone do this to you?
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Are you or anyone else in danger now?
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How can you get/stay safe in the future?
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How can you get/stay safe in the future?
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Tell your patients that due to the fact that violence occurs in the lives of so many, you’ve begun to ask all patients these types of questions regularly.
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Print out a copy of the RADAR card, add numbers for local shelters and help hotlines, and keep it in your white coat pocket for quick reference!
The Action: HopeLine® by Verizon Wireless®
The HopeLine® project by Verizon Wireless® is a very simple way to get your AMWA branch, school, and local community involved in helping victims of domestic violence! In short, Verizon Wireless collects and refurbishes old cell phones (in any condition, from any carrier!) to either be donated to victims of abuse as an emergency phone or re-sold and the profits donated to various domestic violence advocacy groups. Verizon collects phones year-round so pick a time frame that works best for your group!
How it works:
1. Educate. This could include setting up a table at an organization fair or other event, building a display on your campus, or e-mailing the students in your school. Provide information about the impact of domestic violence in our country.Let people know when/where/why you will be collecting used cell phones!
2. Collect. Set-up one or multiple collection boxes and check them regularly.
3. Donate. You can return phones to any Verizon Wireless® store in person, or submit them via mail (free shipping)!Please see Verizon’s HopeLine® website for more information and to request materials.
More Info: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Fact Sheet.
Presenting the Anne C. Carter Global Health Fellowship
Mary Becker and Vanessa Coleman, AMWA Global Health Chairs
We are excited to present the application for the second class of the AMWA Anne C. Carter Global Health Fellowship! The Anne C. Carter Global Health Fellowship awards selected AMWA students with a two-year fellowship focused on global health. The Fellowship is both dynamic and multidisciplinary.
The first year focuses on a global health curriculum, local project development, and mentorship. The second year focuses on in-depth planning and preparation for a medical service-learning trip to a global health site. The Fellowship will culminate in a capstone global health project. The 2011-2013 group will be the second cohort of fellows and will be expected to actively work with their predecessors, as well as assist the subsequent class in their transition, to provide good continuity within the Fellowship.
Please see the application attached to this newsletter. Deadline is November 4, 2011.
AMWA Partners with Kaplan, Offers Course Discount
Introducing Kaplan’s New Step 1 High Yield course! A fast-paced, online course, specifically designed for U.S. medical students. This new course is relentlessly exam-focused, fully integrated, and comprehensive. Most importantly, you will receive access Until Your Test. Click here to view our High Yield trailer.
For additional prep, enroll in Kaplan’state-of-the-art Step 1 Qbank and get prep that lasts as long as you need it. You’ll receive more than 2,000 questions, complete with in-depth explanations, references to First Aid and medEssentials, and access to Qbank’s timed tutor mode, so you can simulate Test Day while you prep. Step 1 Qbank is also available for your iPhone and Android. Click here to enroll or learn more.
AMWA members receive 10% discount on Kaplan’s Step 1 High Yield and Qbank courses in addition to Kaplan’s comprehensive programs. To learn more or to enroll, call us at 1-800-KAP-TEST or visit us online at kaplanmedical.com. Just provide the code AMWA10 and save!
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