National Women's Health Network

NWHN provides women with evidence-based, unbiased health information, improves women's health by influencing policy and links activists nationally.

Why do we exist?

  The National Women's Health Network was created in 1975 and continues to exist to give women a greater voice in the health care system in the United States.  In watch dog fashion, we monitor federal health care agencies and policies to make sure women's health needs are being heard and attended to on a national level.  We also provide women with accurate and unbiased health information so that they can make informed health care decisions.

We have a national membership of 11,000 women around the country and give voice to their concerns and the concerns of all women.  The Network does not accept funding or support from manufacturers of drugs and medical devices, tobacco companies, or managed care companies.  This independence from companies that could have a vested interest in certain issues ensures women a truly independent voice for women's health.  

What have you accomplished?

  For 23 years, the Network has actively worked to give voice to women's health care needs.  We have called attention to unknown safety risks surrounding a variety of drug and devices.  For example, in the 1970's, the Network was responsible for obtaining an oral contraceptive pill with lower levels of hormones which are much safer for women's bodies.

The Network is concerned about making sure claims match up with science.  Earlier this year, the Network cautioned against unsubstantiated claims surrounding the preliminary results of the National Cancer Institute's trial on the "preventive" benefits of tamoxifen (a breast cancer drug).

The Network has a history of supporting an increased number of woman-controlled barrier contraceptives which will give women protection against STDs as well as pregnancy.  From the sponge to new contraceptives such as Lea's Shield or the condom panty, the Network has supported efforts to develop barrier contraceptives.

Our policy on our funding permits us to have a truly independent voice on issues of concern to women and their health.  One area in which the Network has truly stood out is our stand on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  We believe that menopause is a natural stage of life and that HRT is not needed by all women.  We have a history of clearly explaining not just the risks and benefits of HRT, but also looking at the science behind the many claims about what HRT can do.  

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