A bill to ensure equitable care at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for women veterans is being backed by 5th District Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty. She says the legislation will also address the needs of women veterans who are more likely to face homelessness, unemployment, and go without needed health care. The Deborah Sampson Act aims to address gender disparities to improve services and access.
Esty says supporting those who put their lives on the line to defend freedom is not a partisan issue. Esty, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, added that more than two million women have worn the uniform in service to this nation, and they face unique obstacles to care when they return home.
Members of Congress say the bill will empower women veterans by expanding peer-to-peer counseling, group counseling and call centers for women veterans. It would also improve the quality of care for infant children of women veterans by increasing the number of days of maternity care VA facilities can provide and authorizing medically-necessary transportation for newborns.
Esty’s bill is endorsed by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Disabled American Veterans, The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
The Deborah Sampson Act gets its name from Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. She was wounded in 1782 and spent half of her life fighting to be recognized for her service.
