At Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Women Veterans Health Care, Murray Raises Importance of Mammography Services for WA State Veterans, IVF Care

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“We all know that women are the fastest-growing demographic within the veteran population. In my home state of Washington, the Puget Sound VA saw a 7 percent increase in women veterans who are utilizing their services over the past two years.

“In February, I met with women veterans in Seattle who told me about barriers that they have faced in receiving health care through the VA. I heard a story from a veteran who was looking for care at American Lake VA, which was very close to where she lived, but the women’s clinic was completely full. So, she had to go to the Seattle VA to get care—close but not close—and I know that a lot of other women veterans are facing the same stories. Her story is not unique, I hear that all the time—many women are having trouble getting the care they need.

“And additionally, mammography services are an important part of health care for women veterans—but right now VISN 20… is the only VISN without in-house mammography. And that is really not acceptable.

“Dr. Scavella—does VA have plans to expand their in-house mammography services to VISN 20?

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“This is really great news for active-duty servicemembers and veterans, and I know we have a lot of work to be done to make sure everyone has the access they need—which is exactly why I introduced the Veteran Families Health Services Act which will expand IVF services to more servicemembers and their families. And I’ll be working very hard to get that passed.

“I will just say that, when we ask our men and women to serve our country, we tell them we will take care of them when they go home. To tell them that doesn’t include having a family, to me, is outrageous. So I think this is really important, and I appreciate the work you are doing on it and we will continue to do everything we can to make sure we get this done for families.”

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