The bill, titled the Womens Health Improvement Act of 2008, comes as the number of women using VA healthcare facilities is ever increasing. According to a press release by Sen. Murray’s office, the VA estimates female patients will double in the next five years. The press release further quotes Sen. Murray:
“Women don’t have to whisper to me anymore,” Murray said.
Writing on TheHill.com earlier this month,
Late last year in New Jersey, the VA opened its first sexual abuse treatment center focused exclusively on women. The VA’s 15 other sexual abuse treatment centers also provide for male patients. As the Associated Press reported last October:
Losonczy worried that women veterans who need treatment might not be seeking it because “they think the VA is all men and wonder, ‘Why would I get my military sexual trauma treatment surrounded by men?”’
