Taylor Brannan, Intern

Three women are murdered each day by their husbands, boyfriends, or significant others. That’s twenty-one women every week. That means, every year over 1,000 women are killed in domestic violence situations. But we know that death is not the only result of domestic violence.  The CDC reports that women in the United States receive over 2 million injuries from domestic violence each year. Of course, the number could be even greater because women do not always report their injuries or abuse to the proper authorities. I think we can agree that these numbers are astonishing. But, luckily, we do know some ways to reduce women’s risk.

Doctors and nurses can use a simple screening mechanism, consisting of a few questions about past or current abuse. Screening for this kind of violence is absolutely necessary to women for the prevention of intimate partner violence. The screening is not without its flaws. As anyone who has taken a psychology or sociology class would know, answers given are not always entirely truthful. Also, women in these situations may be too scared or under pressure from their abuser to answer honestly about their abuse. But, many victims of this kind of violence can be identified this way and begin receiving the help they need. 

I cannot stress enough the power of early detection. I cannot stress enough the power of prevention. And that’s what well-woman visits are all about. Prevention and early detection are the cornerstones for these routine visits to the OB/GYN. These visits cover a wide range of preventive services that are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Yet, the USPSTF does not actually recommend the visit itself.  Which is truly unfortunate. Why, you ask? Because women have to pay hefty co-pays for these visits and sometimes that can leave a woman choosing not to go to the visit because she cannot afford to. So, she forgoes all of these preventive services to pay for other necessities.

But… drum roll please…this could be about to change! The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended that an annual well-woman visit be added to the list of preventive services for women that will be covered by all new insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.  Now, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reviewing these recommendations and will decide which to add to the list of preventive services for women that will be covered by all new insurance plans. If these recommendations are accepted, this would put an end to co-pays for these vital visits.

This is really something to celebrate and get excited about.