In A Flash

Louisiana House supports new office of women’s health

By: JC Canicosa - May 27, 2021 7:19 pm

The Louisiana House of Representatives listen to testimony on a bill. (JC Canicosa/Louisiana Illuminator)

The Louisiana Department of Health may soon open an office focused solely on women’s health.

HB 193, introduced by Rep. Denise Marcelle (D-Baton Rouge), would create within the health department an office “responsible for leading, consolidating, and coordinating efforts across the state that are intended to improve women’s health outcomes through policy, education, evidence-based practices, programs, and services.” The Louisiana House voted unanimously for the bill Thursday.

Marcelle, who told the chamber, “We’re at the bottom of the list for women’s health care disparities” said the point of the new office would be “to educate and advocate for women’s health.”

Language in the legislation would prohibit the office from using any personnel or funding to promote abortion or from coordinating with any organization that promotes abortion. If the bill is signed into law, the office would be created by July 1, 2022.

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JC Canicosa

JC Canicosa is a former Louisiana Illuminator reporter. Prior to working with the Illuminator, Canicosa worked for Investigate-TV and The Loyola Maroon. Canicosa earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Loyola University New Orleans. At Loyola, he was the senior staff writer at The Maroon and the president of the school's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Off the clock, Canicosa enjoys playing basketball, watching movies and dabbling in comedy writing.