National Women's Health Network

The National Women's Health Network is a non-profit women's health advocacy organization located in Washington, D.C.. It was founded in 1975 by Barbara Seaman, Alice Wolfson, Belita Cowan, Mary Howell, M.D., and Phyllis Chesler, Ph.D. The stated mission of the organization is to give women a greater voice within the healthcare system. NWHN is financially supported by 8,000 members, while specifically denying contributions from the tobacco and medical industries.

History
The NWHN organized the first ever protest against the FDA. In 1975, organizers opposed to the FDA approval and lack of oversight of synthetic estrogens such as DES and high-dose estrogens in combined oral contraceptive pills carried signs reading "Feed Estrogen to the Rats at the FDA" and "Women's Health, Not Drug Company Wealth." After the protests and the "Nelson Pill Hearings," Patient Packaging Inserts (PPIs) listing side effects were instated for oral contraceptives--the first PPIs in U.S. history. 

The Present

 * The NWHN petitioned the FDA in August, 2006 to cease sales of estrogen testosterone combination treatments.


 * The NWHN Board of Directors includes Susan F. Wood, who served as Assistant Commissioner for Women’s Health and Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Women's Health (OWH) from November 2000 through August 2005, when she resigned on principle due to the continued delay of approval of the emergency contraceptive, Plan B.