Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in speaking up about women's health. As we approach the anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, I want to remind all of us about some of the challenges that women have faced before health reform was signed into law.

Before health reform was signed into law, insurance companies could deny coverage to women due to so-called preexisting conditions like cancer or even simply having been pregnant. Insurance companies could force women to pay more for their coverage simply because of their gender. And now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, women will be able to see their OB/GYN without a referral. You've heard that repeatedly today because that's critical and important to women. Women will have access to critical preventive services like birth control with no out-of-pocket costs. And that ultimately saves health care expenses.

Already, hundreds of men and women from all across San Diego have shared with me how important affordable access to contraception is for them and for their families. They can't afford to have it stripped away by this Congress.

I urge my colleagues to build on these reforms to ensure that all women have equal access to health care.

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