By Donald Norcross- Courier-Post- August 26, 2010

Today we celebrate an important milestone in our nation's history. It is Women's Equality Day and the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which produced a freer, fairer and more just American nation by providing women with the right to vote.

The pioneers of the 19th Amendment understood that by respecting and empowering women our society becomes stronger, more prosperous and more just. Over the last 90 years, women have made enormous strides, and we now find female leaders at every level and in every sphere. With every step women have taken forward, our country has moved alongside them.

Despite these huge improvements, it appears we must still remain vigilant in protecting the rights and needs of women. A case in point is occurring in New Jersey, where Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bipartisan bill authorizing $7.4 million to help thousands of low-income women and their families receive vital health care services, including cancer screenings and other essential medical tests. The money would pay for services and medicines that help keep women and their children healthy, saving these families from undue suffering and the state from being forced to provide costly emergency medical services. These services would be paid for by surplus funds and would not increase costs for taxpayers.

A step back

The governor's decision to not provide this health care for women is an affront to the principles that guided our forefathers 90 years ago. Instead of respecting the fundamental equality of men and women, the governor is moving the women of New Jersey a step backwards by withholding these funds.

The 19th Amendment acknowledges the simple truth that women have an equal stake in our society and deserve an equal voice. By denying low-income women and their families access to basic medical services, we are robbing them of that voice.

Nobody can deny that our state is in a fiscal crisis. However, New Jersey is the only state that has decided to eliminate these services entirely, and our governor is the only governor who has decided to rob thousands of women of the means to advocate for themselves.

By denying them health care, we are compelling low-income women and their families into silence, into sickness, and into the margins of our society. Instead of offering the basic tools to provide health care, we are forcing them to suffer voicelessly until their need drives them to emergency rooms and clinics.

Ideals of equality

Today's anniversary is a stark reminder that we cannot simply pay lip service to the ideals of equality and respect that represent the 19th Amendment's foundation.

We're hopeful that Christie will recognize that denying these essential medical services to disadvantaged women and their families is a step back for New Jersey and should not be tolerated.

Donald Norcross is a Democratic state senator who represents the 5th Legislative District, which covers parts of Camden and Gloucester counties.