Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Forestburgh) announced her appointment as chair of the Assembly’s Subcommittee on Women’s Health.

"My experience as a nurse has given me firsthand knowledge of the medical issues that women face," Gunther said. "As the chair of this subcommittee, I want to ensure that women have access to quality, affordable health care."

Gunther also said that often women place their own health second to their families’ health and well-being. Women are more likely to overlook their regular health exams, like breast cancer screenings or Pap smears for cervical cancer. In some instances, women cannot afford to take these preventative measures because of their cost – lacking the medical insurance coverage for them. Gunther also pointed out that many women are not educated about health risks that could pose a threat to them later on in their lives like osteoporosis, heart disease or strokes.

"It is essential that women are as educated as they can be about their own bodies and the risks that they are susceptible to if they do not take the proper preventative measures to keep themselves healthy," Gunther said. "I will work to safeguard women’s health by fighting to make sure medical care is available to each and every woman so they can make their health a high priority."

Gunther is also a member of the Assembly’s Health, Environmental Conservation, Real Property Tax, Agriculture, Racing and Wagering, and Tourism, Arts and Sports Development Committees.