Proclamation 9279-National Women's Health Week, 2015
Issued 2015-05-11 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation designating May 10-16, 2015, as National Women's Health Week. This is a ceremonial observance that draws national attention to women's health issues. The proclamation itself does not create new laws or direct government spending—it simply declares a week of awareness and encourages Americans to celebrate progress in women's health and promote educational activities on the topic.
The proclamation discusses how the Affordable Care Act (a law already passed by Congress) has affected women's healthcare. According to the proclamation, the law prohibits insurance companies from charging women different premiums than men for the same coverage and from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions like pregnancy. It also requires most insurance plans to cover preventive services such as screenings for breast cancer, domestic violence, and osteoporosis without cost-sharing, and to cover contraceptive, prenatal, and maternity care.
This proclamation affects all Americans by encouraging them to focus on women's health during this week. The President directed people to visit WomensHealth.gov and GirlsHealth.gov for additional information and resources. Like similar proclamations issued by presidents throughout American history, this is a purely symbolic declaration that expresses presidential priorities and raises public awareness without imposing legal obligations on anyone.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9279-National Women's Health Week, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to health. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9279—National Women's Health Week, 2015 May 11, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The security of quality, affordable health care should not be a privilege—it should be a fundamental right for every person, regardless of their sex or gender. Today, the Affordable Care Act is helping to secure this right for women across our Nation. The law is saving money for women and their families, and it is saving lives—of our mothers, daughters, and sisters—and helping more women achieve their fullest potential. During National Women's Health Week, we reaffirm the belief that ensuring all women and girls have the opportunity to live full and healthy lives is vital to their success and to the prosperity of our Nation; we celebrate the difference the Affordable Care Act has made for countless women; and we recommit to building on its success because we know that when women succeed, America succeeds. Over the past year, millions of women have gained the security of knowing their personal and professional goals will not be jeopardized just because they face a health challenge. Because of the Affordable Care Act, women can no longer be charged different premiums than men