Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: Women’s presence in state legislatures offers an opportunity to raise concerns unique to women and to pose alternative perspectives, both on issues traditionally and non-traditionally associated with women. The vital role of women in elected office is further substantiated by research that finds the representation of women’s “interests” requires a greater inclusion of women leaders in public office. While most studies examine the impact of women in terms of inputs and outputs, our study offers a unique opportunity to explore the impact of women on women’s health and health care. In so doing we explore both the relationship between representation and policy issues covering women, but also on the effectiveness of these outputs on the overall health of women in the state. Our preliminary findings indicate that political variables impact substantive health policy and that, time and again, percent of women in state legislatures is an important explanatory variable.