At 12:30 yesterday afternoon, I joined a line of people that had formed by the White House gate, eager to enter and begin the critically important task of debating and advancing the effort to achieve health care reform this year. A beautiful, warm day, the talk was of the thaw in Washington -- and not only regarding the weather. I had the chance to talk with leaders on health care reform in the House and the Senate, from both parties and with varying positions and approaches, and to press them and the many others who were there to address the needs of women and their families. There were close allies of the National Women's Law Center sitting next to those with whom we do not often agree, trading ideas and business cards.

While it would be foolhardy to think that all differences will magically disappear, the tone was constructive (dare I say even friendly), the mood hopeful and the setting a powerful reminder that the public good must prevail. What was striking was that a positive tone existed, not only in front of the cameras but in private conversations throughout the day. Wanting to read it tonight, one Republican member of the House asked me for my own copy of the Center's report on the outrageous practice of many insurance companies to charge women more than men when they buy insurance directly -- even with maternity coverage excluded! This "gender-rating" practice underscores how unfair and arbitrary the system can be, and the extra hurdles that women have to overcome.

I would not underestimate for a minute the monumental effort it will take to get health care reform that really is affordable, accessible and comprehensive. Nor would I discount how hard it will be, even with the extraordinary leadership of President Obama and with Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid in support of his approach. But I left at the end of the day inspired, determined and truly believing that this really is the time -- and that women have a special obligation to speak up and make sure that we do succeed. That obligation means ensuring that women's own health needs, including reproductive health needs, are met, that the families they care for get the care they need, and that, as the majority of health care providers in this country, their patients' concerns are protected.