Dear Friends,

This has been a year of highs and lows and of “we told you so” moments for the National Women’s Health Network.  You’ve stayed strong with us through it all and for that, I am grateful.

In early 2011, when an FDA advisory committee recommended approval of the new diet drug Contrave, we urged you help us tell the FDA that the risk associated this drug was too high, given its low level of effectiveness.  The FDA listened and Contrave’s approval was rejected.

But the greedy drug companies are not deterred.  By making a generous gift today, you will ensure that the Network remains at the ready to challenge drugs that are harmful and dangerous to women.     

In August, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that insurance companies must cover without insurance co-pays such key women’s preventive health services as contraception, breastfeeding supports and screening for gestational diabetes, HIV infection and domestic violence.    

This was a huge victory for the Network and for women throughout the U.S.  -- and we owe our success -- in large part -- to you.  You made phone calls, you signed petitions, you supported our Contraception is Prevention campaign and you made this momentous victory possible!   

And then, the HHS -- the same agency that gave us such cause for celebration in August -- shortchanged women everywhere in early December by refusing to lift the age restriction on Plan B® One-Step, a safe and effective emergency contraception product.

We were disappointed.  We were outraged.  And with your help, we let HHS know it.

For 36 years, the National Women’s Health Network has been a trusted voice for women’s health and we’ve worked hard to safeguard the health of women everywhere.  And your support will help make sure that women can continue to rely on us for another 36 years.  Please, make your year-end gift now, and give as generously as you can.

Best wishes for health and happiness in the holiday season,


Cindy Pearson
Executive Director