Dear NPWH,

Standing Strong for Women’s Healthcare



The current environment in the U.S. poses significant challenges to the future of healthcare including reproductive health, gender-affirming care, and the integrity of scientific research. The recent dismantling of key functions within the Department of Health and Human Services has deeply impacted the scientific and research communities. Alarming reports indicate that federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), may be flagging research proposals that include terms such as "women," "trans," and "diversity"—potentially stalling critical research that addresses the needs of women and other historically marginalized populations.

For decades, NPWH has worked in strong partnership with HHS, NIH, and the Office of Research on Women’s Health, alongside dedicated public servants who have committed their careers to improving the health of our communities. We remain steadfast in our support for evidence-based research, inclusive health policies, and the advancement of gender-informed care that reflects the full diversity of the populations we serve.

How We Are Taking Action

Our advocacy includes:

📜 Signing Letters to support research funding, government programs, and initiatives that protect WHNPs and the patients they serve.

• 26 sign-on letters to date.

⚖ Legal Advocacy: We actively monitor legal cases and identify strategic opportunities to submit amicus briefs that defend healthcare rights and protect the scope of practice for WHNPs and APRNs.

• 2 amicus briefs to date.

📢 Strategic Partnerships: We work alongside national coalitions and organizations to advance policies that support science, environmental health, research, and clinical practice for women's healthcare.

Your Voice Matters

Advocacy is a core pillar of NPWH’s mission and is integral to our founding and history. We are committed to advocating for your ability to provide the care your patients deserve. Your insights and experiences help us shape policy efforts, educational resources, and outreach initiatives.

🔹 Are you involved in advocacy related to the WHNP profession or women’s and gender-related healthcare?

🔹 Do you have a story about overcoming legislative barriers in your practice?

🔹Are you a researcher who has been impacted by the cuts and layoffs?

Please share your story with us!

We hear you—and we’re responding.

Based on your feedback, we’ve reimagined this newsletter to offer clear, actionable steps you can take. You’ve asked, “What can I do?” You’ll find several calls to action designed to empower your voice and support our shared mission. One simple but impactful tip: Save your U.S. Representative and Senators’ phone numbers to your favorites—making it easy to reach out when it matters most.

Personal share: My father-in-law would often remind us as a family, "When there is no hope, then you are the hope." Those words resonate deeply—especially in moments like this, when the challenges we face in healthcare, research, science, and patient rights can feel overwhelming. But it’s precisely in those moments that our actions matter most. When systems falter or progress stalls, we step forward. We become the hope—through our advocacy, our voices, our exemplary patient care, and our unwavering commitment to women and the individuals we care for daily.

In solidarity and hope,

Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health

hmaurer@npwh.org

PS The planning committee for the 28th NPWH Annual Women's Health Conference theme is.......Stronger Together: Prioritizing Women’s Health. We are so excited to celebrate 45 years with you. Save the Date: Registration opening soon: October 1-3, 2025 Las Vegas, NV Caesars Hotel

Contemporary OBGYN Publishes NPWH President Komkwuan Paruchabutr, DNP, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNM, FACNM, FNAP,

Op-Ed Regarding Contraceptive Coverage

This op-ed, titled "Your Voice: Why can't we get health plans and PBMS to comply with the affordable care act contraceptive requirements?" was written by NPWH President Komkwuan Paruchabutr, DNP, WHNP-BC, FNP-BC, CNM, FACNM, FNAP. This op-ed highlights the ongoing failure of many health plans and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to comply with the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA's) contraceptive coverage requirements.

Despite federal mandates, patients and providers continue to face delays, denials, and unexpected out-of-pocket costs for birth control. Dr. Paruchabutr underscores the emotional and logistical toll this takes on patients—especially women—and calls for stronger enforcement and accountability.

A proposed rule from the Biden-Harris Administration, issued in October 2024, aims to expand access and eliminate these barriers. Notably, the rule requires most group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter contraceptives without cost sharing or requiring a prescription.

The piece is a powerful reminder that policy without enforcement undermines reproductive health access and equity. Considering the current turmoil around legislation regarding reproductive rights, actions ensuring comprehensive access to contraceptive products are more crucial than ever.

NPWH is closely monitoring the impact of the Trump Executive Orders. At this time, the situation remains unclear due to current Executive Orders. This uncertainty underscores the importance of continued advocacy. We must inform our congressional representatives about cases where we prescribe a contraceptive product that lacks a therapeutic equivalent and is not covered without cost sharing. Ensuring patient access to the full range of contraceptive options remains a priority.

NPWH CEO Heather Maurer Attends a Rally in Support of Medicaid and Access to Healthcare

On April 2, NPWH CEO Heather Maurer had the opportunity to attend a rally supporting Medicaid and access to healthcare. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic case, which could reshape healthcare access for millions of Medicaid recipients. At issue: whether states can block patients from choosing trusted providers like Planned Parenthood for essential services such as birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing. South Carolina is seeking to do just that—and the outcome could set a precedent for other states to follow. This case isn’t just about one provider. It raises a broader question: Do Medicaid recipients have the right to challenge restrictions on their access to care? The implications reach far beyond reproductive health. A ruling in favor of South Carolina could pave the way for states to cut Medicaid funding to other providers, including those offering gender-affirming care. With nearly half of Planned Parenthood’s patients relying on Medicaid, the potential impact on low-income communities is significant. This moment matters—for patient choice, healthcare access, and the future of reproductive and preventive care in the U.S. Recent news articles indicate that the Court may side with Planned Parenthood. NPWH will follow this case and report back when the Court makes a decision.

ANA Agency Update: On March 27, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Kennedy, announced a large-scale reorganization of the agency to reduce the size and scope of the federal government in line with President Trump's Executive Order related to government efficiency. The restructuring started last week and is likely to result in a reduction of force (RIF) of about 10,000 full-time HHS employees, the closure of 50% of regional offices, and the consolidation of 28 divisions, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Alongside the consolidation, a new Administration for Healthy America (AHA) will be created to improve the coordination of chronic care and disease prevention programs. The goal is to streamline operations and focus on priorities aligned with the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. However, there is concern that these massive RIFs will impact essential programs and services across the country. The Senate HELP Committee will be holding a hearing on April 10 with Secretary Kennedy about the reorganization and RIFs. The Trump administration continues to move nominees through Senate confirmation, with a total of 42 Cabinet members confirmed to date, including Marty Makar, MD as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and Jay Bhattacharya, MD as Director of the National Institutes of Health. Mehmet Oz, MD has been voted out of the Finance Committee and is awaiting a full Senate floor vote for confirmation.

Overview of Joint Statement on HHS and NIH Restructuring by AAN and AACN

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the recent restructuring efforts at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The restructuring, which includes abrupt leadership changes and the dismantling of key offices, particularly impacts the Office of Research on Women’s Health and the Office of AIDS Research. The organizations underscore that these changes were made without adequate transparency, stakeholder engagement, or clear rationale—posing significant risks to scientific progress, public health, and equity in healthcare. They emphasize the critical role of long-standing, trusted leaders and the infrastructure needed to support research excellence, especially in advancing health equity and addressing historically underserved populations. Both AAN and AACN call for immediate clarity and accountability from HHS and NIH. They urge the administration to prioritize stability, inclusivity, and scientific integrity as the restructuring process continues. To read the full statement, click here.

NPWH Stands in Strong Support of the American Academy of Nursing and AACN

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) strongly supports the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in their joint statement addressing the restructuring of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We share their concerns regarding the lack of transparency, the sudden removal of key leaders, and the potential impact on the integrity of vital offices such as the Office of Research on Women’s Health and the Office of AIDS Research. These changes threaten to destabilize decades of progress in advancing science, research, and health equity—particularly for women and historically marginalized communities. These changes directly affect the work of countless WHNP-BCs and APRNs who are actively engaged in advancing women’s health through research, education, and clinical practice. As a leading voice in women’s and gender-related healthcare, NPWH stands with The Academy and AACN in calling for accountability, stakeholder engagement, and a renewed commitment to evidence-based, inclusive public health leadership. We urge HHS and NIH to prioritize continuity, transparency, and the protection of critical research infrastructure that supports the health of all individuals.

Amicus Briefs

NPWH actively participates in joining or leading amicus briefs in particular those that impact the WHNP-BC and APRN practice. An "amicus brief" (Latin for "friend of the court") is a legal document submitted by a party not directly involved in a case, offering information or arguments to aid the court in its decision-making. 

State of Tennessee, et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, et al.

This case is regarding to the plaintiffs' claims (the State of Tennessee, et al.'s claims) that the 2024 Rule imposed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) exceeds its authority and is otherwise arbitrary and capricious. The 2024 Rule imposed by the HHS is a response to privacy concerns in regard to a shifting legal landscape, seeking to balance individual privacy interests with state interests in public health and law enforcement. The 2024 Rule strengthened previous essential safeguards, ultimately better protecting information related to reproductive healthcare and bolstering patient-provider confidentiality. The plaintiffs, who disagree with the 2024 Rule, request a preliminary injunction and vacatur of the entire rule, despite the HHS's guidance stating that, even if a given state disagrees with the rule, they cannot disregard it as arbitrary and capricious, and violate its protections. Read more.

State of Texas v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, et al.

NPWH in Support of HIPAA Protections for Reproductive Health Information

NPWH is preparing to submit an amicus brief in support of current HIPAA regulations that safeguard the privacy of reproductive health information. This action responds to a legal challenge that seeks to roll back these protections under the claim that enhanced privacy regulations violate the Administrative Procedure Act.

Why This Matters: In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the federal right to abortion, the legal environment surrounding reproductive healthcare has become increasingly uncertain. The potential for protected health information to be disclosed to law enforcement threatens not only patient confidentiality but also public trust in the healthcare system. If providers and patients fear criminal investigation or prosecution, it may deter individuals from seeking necessary reproductive healthcare and hinder clinicians from providing it.

Potential Impact:

Eliminating these privacy protections could:

• Increase the risk of criminal liability for patients and providers
• Deepen existing barriers to reproductive health services
• Undermine the delivery of safe, evidence-based care
• Disproportionately harm women and pregnant individuals, particularly in marginalized communities

NPWH firmly supports strong, consistent federal privacy protections as a critical safeguard for reproductive autonomy, clinician integrity, and the equitable delivery of healthcare. To learn more about the case, click here.

NPWH members have routinely asked us how they can get involved in advocacy efforts relating to their clinical practice and patients. Below, you will find a few pieces of legislation that may directly impact your practice. We have included sample scripts and letters for you to call or write your federal congressional representatives. We would like to thank Maria Meyer, MS, RN, WHNP-BC, who is the Chair for NPWH's Advocacy Committee, for writing the letter templates you can access for each legislative item!

• The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act (H.R. 1317/S. 575)
• The Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (H.R. 1151/S. 756)
• The Providing Real-World Education and Clinical Experience by Precepting Tomorrow's (PRECEPT) Nurses Act (H.R. 392/S. 131)
• The Stop Comstock Act (H.R. 2029/S. 951)

The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act

The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act directly impacts nurse practitioners, removing unnecessary federal barriers on services APRNs can provide under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. This Act allows providers to practice their full scope, giving patients equal access to their range of practices and services.

Read about H.R. 1317 here, which is the House of Representatives version of this bill.

Read about S. 575 here, which is the Senate version of this bill.

Below are the actions NPWH is taking to support this bill.

NPWH, AANA, AANP, ACNM, and ANA's Letter of Endorsement

• Read the full letter for the House of Representatives here.
• Read the full letter for the Senate here.

Nursing Community Coalition's Letter of Support

• Read the full letter here.

Call to Action

We need your support! Please take a few moments to call your representative and senators to express your backing for this vital act. Your voice can make a difference in widening the scope of practice for our nursing workforce. You can find your Congressional representatives here.

Sample Script:

Hello, my name is ________. I am a constituent and a certified women's health nurse practitioner (or APRN title) providing care for the community in ________(city), and I am calling to ask you to support the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, otherwise known as H.R. 1317/S. 575. Thank you.

You can also send your Congressional representatives a letter to express your backing of this bill! You can use the template attached here to write a letter to your representatives.

The Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act

Sample Script:

Hello, my name is ________. I am a constituent and a certified women's health nurse practitioner (or APRN title) providing care for the community in ________(city), and I am calling to ask you to support (H.R. 1151/S. 756), otherwise known as the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act. Thank you.

You can also send your Congressional representatives a letter to express your backing of this bill! You can use the template attached here to write a letter to your representatives.

The Providing Real-World Education and Clinical Experience by Precepting Tomorrow's (PRECEPT) Nurses Act

Nursing Community Coalition (NCC)'s Letter of Support

• Read the full letter here.

Sample Script:

Hello, my name is ________. I am a constituent and a certified women's health nurse practitioner (or APRN title) providing care for the community in ________(city), and I am calling to ask you to support the Providing Real-World Education and Clinical Experience by Precepting Tomorrow's (PRECEPT) Nurses Act, otherwise known as (HR. 392/S. 131). Thank you.

You can also send your Congressional representatives a letter to express your backing of this bill! You can use the template attached here to write a letter to your representatives.

The Stop Comstock Act

The Stop Comstock Act, otherwise known as H.R. 2029/S. 951, works to protect the right to mail medication abortion prescriptions such as mifepristone and misoprostol by repealing the Comstock Act—a bill passed by the 42nd U.S. Congress in 1873. The Comstock Act criminalized the United States Postal Service from mailing "[items] designed or intended for the prevention of conception or procuring of abortion."

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) today joined Reps. Becca Balint (VT-AL) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) in introducing the Stop Comstock Act in response to clear Republican intent to misuse the antiquated and unconstitutional statute, the Comstock Act, to prohibit the mailing of medication abortion and other materials used in abortion procedures.

Read about H.R. 2029 here, which is the House of Representatives version of this bill.

Read about S. 951 here, which is the Senate version of this bill.

You can view an overview of this bill here.

You can also read a press release regarding this bill by Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon here.

Call to Action

We need your support!

Please take a few moments to call your representatives to express your backing for this important bill. Your voice can make a difference in protecting abortion care and the ability to mail abortion medications. You can find your Congressional representatives here.

Sample Script:

Hello, my name is ________. I am a constituent and a certified women's health nurse practitioner (or APRN title) providing care for the community in ________(city), and I am calling to ask you to support the Stop Comstock Act, otherwise known as H.R. 2029/ S. 951. Thank you.

You can also send your representatives a letter to express your support of this bill! You can use the template attached here to write a letter to your representatives.

The Center for Reproductive Rights Presents a Critically Acclaimed Documentary Going Behind the Scenes of the Zurawski v. Texas Case

The Center for Reproductive Rights presents a devastatingly personal documentary that goes behind the scenes of the Zurawski v. Texas case. This case, heard by the Supreme Court of Texas, was filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights to represent twenty women who were denied essential abortion care, even when their lives were at risk, because of Texas' unclear bans on abortion care. This documentary is free to stream online until April 28, 2025.

NPWH actively participates in sign-on letters with leading organizations and advocacy groups to amplify our collective voice in support of the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) profession, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), and equitable access to women’s and gender-related healthcare. These collaborative advocacy efforts align with our mission to improve health outcomes and ensure WHNPs can practice to the full extent of their education and certification. By joining forces with strategic partners, we strengthen our influence in shaping healthcare policy to promote comprehensive, inclusive, and high-quality care. Sign-on letters are a vital part of this work, allowing us to champion initiatives that advance full practice authority, equitable reimbursement, and access to the full range of reproductive and women's health services. Below are highlights from the first quarter of this year.

Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) Sign-On Letters

NPWH is one of the 64 active member organizations of the Nursing Community Coalition (NCC) and participates in sign-on letters from the coalition. NPWH joins 64 nursing organizations that make up the NCC on letters that advocate for the nursing profession and the patients you care for. Below are highlights of those letters.

Letters Welcoming the 119th Congress

• Read the House version of the letter here.
• Read the Senate version of the letter here.

Letter of Request Regarding Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) Funding for FY 2025

• Read the full letter here.

NCC Sends FY 2026 Appropriations Requests to House and Senate LHHS-ED Appropriations Subcommittees

• Read the full letter here.

Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) Sign-On Letters

NPWH is one of the active member organizations of the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments (ANHE) and participates in sign-on letters from the alliance. NPWH joins the various other nursing organizations that make up the ANHE on letters that advocate for the nursing profession, the patients you care for, and for healthier environments. Below are highlights of those letters.

Joint Statement Regarding the Los Angeles Wildfires

• Read the full letter here.

Letter of Request Regarding Legislation Regulating PFAS Chemicals

• Read the full letter here.

Letter of Opposition Regarding Repealing the EPA Lead in Drinking Water Rule

• Read the full letter here.

Sign-On Letters Opposing Medicaid Cuts

Families USA (FUSA) Letter of Request and 119th Congressional Welcome

• Read the full letter here.

National Coalition for Gender Justice in Health Policy (NCGJHP) Letter of Request on Medicaid Cuts

• Read the full letter here.

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)'s Letter of Opposition Regarding Budget Reconciliation Process' Proposed Cuts to Medicaid

• Read the draft of this letter here.

The American Nurses Association (ANA)'s Letter of Request Regarding Protecting Medicaid Funding

• Read the draft of this letter here.

Other Sign-On Letters

Academy Health's Letter of Request Regarding the Funding for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in FY2026

• Read the full letter here.

All* Above All's Letter of Endorsement Regarding the Reintroduction of the EACH Act

• Read the draft of this letter here.

The Alliance for Women's Health and Protection's (AWHP's) Letter of Request Regarding the EveryBODY Covered Campaign

• Read the full letter here.

The American Lung Association's Letter of Request Regarding the Reduction of Pollution

• Read the draft of this letter here.

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered's Letter of Support Regarding the Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act's Introduction to Congress

• Read the draft of this letter here.

The Family Planning Coalition (FPC)'s Letter of Request/Congressional Testimony Regarding FY2026 Appropriations for Title X, Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, and the Division of STD Prevention

• Read the draft of this letter here.

The Planned Parenthood Federation of America's Letter of Opposition to H.R. 21/S. 6 (Joined ACOG in signing on)

• Read the full letter here.

The Union of Concerned Scientists and Earthjustice's Letter of Opposition to H.R. 1415/S. 623

• Read the draft of this letter here.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)'s Letter of Request Regarding Budgeting for Discretionary Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Programs in FY2026

• Read the draft of this letter here.

Earthjustice, AFL-CIO, NRDC, United Auto Workers, EDF, Toxic-Free Future, and Center for Environmental Health's Letter of Opposition to the Joint Resolutions Disapproving the EPA's TCE Rule

• Read the full letter here.

The National Consumers League (NCL) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA)'s Letter of Support Regarding the CMS's Proposed Obesity Bill of Rights

• Read the full letter here.

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