Part of the #HERvotes blog carnival.

Seventeen months ago I was driving back to New York with some new friends from the 2010 National Young Feminist Leadership Conference when the announcement came through – the Affordable Care Act was on its way to the President’s desk. In July, I sat in the conference room as FMF President Ellie Smeal explained the details of the Institute of Medicine recommendations for comprehensive well-woman care to be adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services as basic preventive services.

These were historic moments, and individuals who represent us as Americans were there at the table shaping them every step of the way. The ways in which these policies could change the lives of all Americans, but it has the potential to finally meet the needs of disenfranchised populations such as women, communities of color, LGBTQ, the poor and many intersections in between.

The Affordable Care Act works to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable insurance – without discrimination. Tax credits will help to subsidize the cost of insurance for low-income individuals and families. Under that health insurance, HHS has since adopted the IOM recommendations that would give all women access to the contraceptive that is best for her life style – without any copay. Those that choose to mother will not have to worry about receiving prenatal care or breastfeeding supplies and counseling. The ACA expands funding for community health centers to make quality care more accessible for all communities.

These are just a few examples of the impact policy – and policymakers – can have on our daily lives, our well-being, our communities. Something worth fighting for, don’t you think?

Make sure your voice is heard. VOTE.