Op-ed pieces are short, clearly written essays expressing an individual point of view.  They are useful for informing readers about women's issues in health care reform, convincing readers about the need to make women's health a priority in health care reform, or focusing on a particular aspect of women's health and health care reform.  

Tips for Writing Op-ed Pieces:

1.  Check with the intended newspaper or magazine to see if they have specific guidelines for letters to the editor or op-ed pieces.  

2. Establish what makes the topic timely or important either in a cover letter or in the text itself.

3.   As an opinion piece, state your opinion and back it up with facts and personal experience.

4.  It is an essay and should include an introduction, a middle clearly presenting the argument and a conclusion.