Effective delivery of women's health implies that a physician has in-depth knowledge, skills, attitudes, and can enable a woman to feel competent in taking an active role in her own health care. The three leading causes of death for women under age 75 in 1996 were cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Unintended live births are most common among teenagers and women in their early twenties. These levels have decreased since 1990. Women living in the Southern United States are most apt to be uninsured.
Hispanic women are most apt to be living below the poverty level.
The highest rates are among Hispanic women with children who are the head of the household. Undiagnosed diabetes is highest among Black women. Today MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine continues its historic commitment to women's health. In 1993, with the help of a grant from the federal government, MCP Hahnemann became the first medical school to undertake curricular revision to introduce women's health into medical student teaching. A Women's Health Education Program was needed and faculty were asked to examine their teaching materials for sex and gender bias, to include gender differences where applicable, to determine gaps in information, and to introduce new information in women's health as it becomes available.