Women's Health

Traditionally, women’s health has dealt with issues of reproduction and pregnancy. Now, women’s health is understood to be very different from men’s health not just in the obvious ways but also in how common diseases are manifested differently in women, and how they are prevented, diagnosed and treated.

AAPA Policy

AAPA has no specific policy on women’s health but does have a number of policies related to reproductive health.

AAPA opposes attempts to restrict the availability of reproductive health care.

AAPA supports over-the-counter non prescription status of emergency contraception pills.

AAPA encourages its members to work with schools and parents within their communities to establish programs for reproductive health education in schools.

AAPA supports equitable and confidential access to sex education, family planning education, and birth control options.

AAPA believes all physician assistants should advocate responsible sexual behavior including education on methods to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants opposes the Global Gag Rule (Mexico City Policy) because it endangers the health of women and children and is inconsistent with U.S. principles of free speech and democracy. Funding for family planning services should be provided without ideological or political restrictions on the distribution of monies.