The Affordable Care Act and Its Potential to Improve the Health of African-American Women

A complex set of historical and contemporary factors (such as racism, poverty and segregation) shape the life experiences, and health outcomes of African-American women. Their place in society and literally the places where they live both determine their health. This article considers whether the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL. 111–148), as amended, signed into law by President Obama on March 30, 2010, can become a viable tool to help address the health needs of African-American women.