Lt. Gov. Coleman releases new report on Women’s Health in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – On Monday, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, along with the Kentucky Commission of Women and officials from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, released a report on the status of women’s health in Kentucky.

“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, there is no better time to assess the status of women’s health in Kentucky,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “As someone whose life was saved by early detection through screenings, we should celebrate the advances that have been made for women’s health while also admitting there are severe deficits and far too many women cannot access the care they need and deserve. This work becomes more important as our state faces devastating cuts to Medicaid that will severely harm women’s health in the Commonwealth.”

According to officials, the report includes a collection of “public health data indicators related to Kentucky women,” including “rates of insurance coverage, chronic disease prevalence, cancer mortality rates, mental health data, domestic violence rates, perinatal and maternal health indicators and data related to the well-being of high school girls.”

“Team Kentucky is committed to promoting high quality maternity care so all women and babies in our commonwealth are healthy, well, and reach their full potential. Healthy moms and babies make for thriving Kentucky communities,” said CHFS Secretary Dr. Steven Stack.

Among the findings, the lieutenant governor’s office says 8% of Kentucky women are uninsured, which is “on par” with the national average.

According to Coleman’s office, some examples of opportunities for improvement include:

• Kentucky has the highest cancer mortality rate in the nation.
• Nearly 22% of Kentucky women, ages 18-44, report their mental health was not good.
• Nearly one half of women experienced domestic violence or stalking during their lifetime.
• Nearly 1 in 10 Kentucky high school girls attempt suicide.

“Access to health care for women in the commonwealth goes beyond being a medical issue; it’s an economic, family and community issue,” said Marisa Aull, a member of the Kentucky Commission on Women who resides in Lexington. “When women in Kentucky can access the care they need, their families are stronger, their children are healthier, and all our communities thrive.”

This release comes on the heels of the KCW’s 2024 Status of Women in Kentucky, which highlighted workforce rates, business ownership, earnings and education. During the research for that report, members of the KCW determined that a separate report should be focused on women’s health.

The report can be viewed here.