WFAA-TV

14 million Americans have called on Congress to mandate 48-hour stays as a minimum.

Some North Texas families are keeping a close eye on Congress hoping it'll soon vote in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act.

This bill would put an end to what some call 'drive through' mastectomies.

Gilda's Club in Dallas has been calling for support for the act.

They are fighting for women who have mastectomies to be given adequate hospital stays.

At the moment, Medicare can only insure a 24-hour or 48-hour stay in hospital.

That leads to the so-called drive-through mastectomies which cancer survivors say they cannot begin to imagine.

Mary Greiner stayed 10 days in hospital after a mastectomy due to an infection.

She is now one of 14 million Americans calling on Congress to mandate 48-hour stays as a minimum.

"I think it is ridiculous that a legislator has to get involved. But then if it is the only way women can get the medical care they need, then legislation is it," Greiner said.

Private insurance companies vary in their coverage.

Doctors will tell you if you stay in the hospital following surgery, it is no guarantee of a problem-free recovery. Every hour you stay in the hospital, your risks are even higher of getting an infection or being given the wrong medicine.