John McCain

• In 2003, McCain voted No on legislation to improve the availability of contraceptives for women and to require insurance coverage of prescription birth control.
• In 1990, McCain voted No on legislation to extend the Title X federal family planning program, which provides low-income and uninsured women and families with health care services ranging from breast and cervical cancer screening to birth control.
• Opposes federally mandated universal coverage. Believes competition will improve the quality of health insurance.

Barack Obama

• Barack Obama is committed to ensuring that all Americans have health care coverage by the end of his first term in office. Would create a national health insurance program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs. Does not mandate individual coverage for all Americans, but requires coverage for all children.
• Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of Johanna’s Law. Signed into law in January 2007, the law will educate women and increase awareness of ovarian cancer.
• Barack Obama has fought to maintain funding for the Centers of Excellence in Women’s Health at the Department of Health and Human Services. He also supports legislation to encourage research that will examine gender and health disparities. The same legislation would establish community outreach programs in undeserved areas to help women access health care and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Barack on Health Care:

John McCain on Health Care: