The Women Veterans Experience: Celebrating 100 years of women’s health care at VA

Women Veterans History

Throughout the history of the United States, women have made significant contributions to the military, serving in every conflict since the revolutionary war; and in 1923, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) established health care for women Veterans. On September 14, 2023, VA celebrates 100 years of providing health care to women Veterans.

“I am proud to be able to say I served my country,” said Donna Sargent, U.S. Air Force Veteran. “Too many people think that women can’t be Veterans. I know the total number of Veterans is a small percentage of the population, but the number of women Veterans is even smaller. I take pride knowing I am part of the elite few who chose to serve.”

The U.S. military has historically been a male dominated service and roughly 10% of Veterans today are women. This is largely due to historical gender roles and restrictions that limited women's participation in the armed forces. However, the percentage of women Veterans has been gradually increasing in recent years. With the evolving roles and opportunities for women in the military, more women are choosing to serve and are gaining Veteran status.

“The United States Marine is one of ‘The Few. The Proud’,” said Kerry Maldonado, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. “Women Marines say, ‘The Fewer. The Prouder’. This is something you feel deep down, and no one can take that away from you.”

Women Veterans Health Care

The contributions and sacrifices of women Veterans are increasingly recognized and celebrated today, highlighting their invaluable role in defending our country. Because of this, efforts are being made to address the unique needs and challenges women Veterans may face, such as health care and support services tailored to their experiences.

“I didn't hear good things about VA,” said Maldonado. “If VA couldn't take care of the men, I wasn't sure they could take care of me. I was pleasantly surprised when I had my first appointment. My doctor genuinely cared about me, the 'whole' me. She worked to ensure I was taken care of. Being taken care of by VA means I can take care of my work and my loved ones around me.”

Women Veterans health care has come a long way since 1923. With more research involving women and more dedicated professionals that specialize in women's health, there have been significant advancements in health care for women. In the past, medical research often focused primarily on men, and women's health concerns were often overlooked or misunderstood. However, over time, there has been a greater recognition of the need for gender-specific research and understanding the unique health issues faced by women, especially women Veterans.

“Women's health care at VA has evolved since I began using it,” said Donna Crum, U.S. Army Veteran. “For me, [this VA milestone] acknowledges that we served, on an equal basis, as our male peers and that is a big deal for me.”

Women Veterans Health Care Progress

Today, there are more dedicated professionals in various fields of medicine who specialize in women's health and provide specialized care and treatment options. This specialization has led to improved diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that specifically affect women, including reproductive health issues, breast and cervical cancer, menopause, and hormonal imbalances. While there is still progress to be made, the health care landscape for women Veterans has evolved significantly, with greater research, specialized professionals, and improved access to gender-specific care.

“[This VA milestone] tells me VA understands that women require different types of care, and that VA is willing to provide that care,” said Sargent.

The Amarillo VA Health Care System serves over 2,000 women Veterans and offers services and care coordination for the needs of our Women Veterans. The Women Veterans Program Manager can be reached at 806-355-9703 x7935.