An Army task force led by female officers says the military is falling short in providing equal health care for women on the battlefield even as public pressure grows to allow them a broader role in combat.
Basic improvements are needed to help women avoid higher rates of urinary tract or vaginal infections, stress-related menstrual difficulties and the chafing, bruising and bleeding caused by ill-fitting body armor designed for men, the task force’s report says.
Just great. This is from the article
*”The result, according to a study released last year, is that half of the women surveyed during deployment suffer urinary or vaginal infections.”
Other key findings and recommendations:
» Create a simple kit that allows women to self-test for urinary or vaginal infections without having to approach a company medic, often a man, about symptoms.
» Provide better security for tent lodging and bathrooms to lessen the risk of sexual assaults.
» Urge the Army, Marines and Air Force to conform with a Navy provision allowing 12 months for new mothers to spend with newborns to take full advantage of the health benefits of breast-feeding.
» Sponsor more research into better understanding of the mental health issues that develop when mothers separate from families to go to war.
I’m sure the enemy will allow time for battlefield shower facilities for the women.