The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to improving the health of women and newborns and strengthening the nursing profession.

AWHONN’s Public Policy Committee helps guide the direction of the organization’s advocacy efforts. The committee develops and implements the 2024 Legislative Priorities for the association.

Download the 2024 Legislative Priorities. For more information on AWHONN’s advocacy efforts, email advocacy@awhonn.org.

Help Protect Access to Abortion, visit our abortion advocacy resources page to learn more.

  • Support the Women’s Health Protection Act
    AWHONN supports women’s access to full reproductive health care and opposes laws that restrict providers from offering complete counseling and treatment options.

  • Protect Nurses on the Job!
    AWHONN supports H.R. 2531/S. 1232, which would require enforceable workplace violence prevention standards to protect nurses and other health care providers from harm.

  • Write Your U.S. Representative About H.R. 1
    President Trump signed H.R. 1 into law on July 4 after it narrowly passed the Senate (51–50) and the House (218–214). Contact your representative to share your views on this vote.

AWHONN on Capitol Hill
April 28-29, 2026
AoCH is AWHONN’s annual public policy conference and lobby day to advance legislation to promote the health of women and newborns. Registration has reached capacity and is now closed.

Understanding Presidential Executive Orders – Recorded February 2025

Thank you to Synova Associates and ACNM for their partnership and participation in this presentation.

AWHONN regularly interacts with Members of Congress, their staff, and key agency officials. Find our communications to these important partners .

Can’t make it to Washington, DC? Consider scheduling a meeting with your legislators close to home. These tips will help you get started.

View the coalitions  that advocate for research, nursing education and better patient care.

Download the Legislative Handbook.

2023 Public Policy Committee

  • Urmeka Jefferson (Chair)
  • Sharon Mccoy (Immediate Past Chair)
  • Sally Keller
  • Jennifer Atkisson
  • Hollie Gentry
  • Juleen Johnson
  • Jacquelyn Svoboda
  • Gail Elliott
  • Jessica Phillips
  • Nancy Travis
  • Ellen Taylor
  • Rachel Sheehan
  • Gina Herron
  • Shelly Frisco
  • Jacquiline Blanco (Emerging Leader)

AWHONN Staff

  • Seth Chase (Primary Staff Liaison)
  • Ben Scheich
  • Sarah Perret-Goluboff