As we work to fix our health care system, we must recognize that women have very specific health care needs. We cannot exclude them from health reform.

Currently, women pay up to 68 percent more in out-of-pocket health expenses than men. In addition to contraception, women need breast exams, pelvic exams, cervical cancer screenings, pre- and post-natal care - a list that presents significant costs, even for women who have health insurance.

It seems like being a woman automatically causes the price tag on health care to skyrocket. And that's why over 3 million women in America depend on community health providers like Planned Parenthood for essential health care. These centers are critical providers to communities across Montana and the country, and we cannot properly fix our nation's health care system unless they are part of the solution. Regardless of income level, women will always have specific health care concerns, and essential community providers make sure that women have access to the care they need to be healthy and provide for their families.

We know that access to basic prevention care is necessary to be active and productive members of our communities. For women, this includes reproductive health care. Affordable reproductive care is vital for healthy women and families and must be part of any health reform we achieve.

Tannis Hargrove, Volunteer coordinator/grassroots organizer, Planned Parenthood of Montana, Missoula