As physicians, it is all too obvious to us that women’s health in the United States is in a state of crisis. Compared to other high-income countries, women of reproductive age in the United States have the highest rates of pregnancy-related death, preventable death, chronic health conditions, and mental health care needs. They are more likely to die during childbirth than their mothers, and the Supreme Court’s anticipated reversal of Roe v. Wade will likely further increase pregnancy-related deaths.
How U.S. Employers Can Support Women’s Health
Offer more comprehensive health insurance, provide paid parental leave, and redesign the workplace.
June 02, 2022
HBR Staff/Yasser Chalid/ Narongrit Doungmanee/Getty Images
Summary.
By several measures, there is a women’s health crisis in the United States. While the federal government is doing more, employers can play an instrumental role in combating it. They can do three things: offer better health insurance that, among other things, provides access to safe abortions; provide paid parental leave; and redesign the workplace to support women.