Women's Health: Act Now

I recently returned from my annual physical at the Mayo Clinic. During my visit, I met with the Director of Internal Medicine in the Menopause and Women’s Sexual Health Clinic, and what she shared was both urgent and deeply troubling.

We spoke about the historic underfunding of women’s health, the abrupt halt to the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research—launched in 2023 and, by October 2024, responsible for awarding $110 million across 23 projects focused on endometriosis, migraines, and neurological research—and the growing denial of medically necessary procedures.

These aren’t just policy decisions—they are life-and-death issues for millions of women.

In just one month, 10 Residents at the clinic saw 900 women. Another 400 remained on the waiting list, unable to access care. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re mothers, daughters, partners, and friends waiting in pain, uncertainty, or silence.

But there is hope.Recently, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) launched the State Policy Action Lab (State PAL)—a powerful, interactive platform designed to help change the narrative. This tool brings together:

• Over 100 gender equity data indicators,

• Legislative tracking of nearly 500 state-level bills, and

• Actionable policy recommendations across the country.

  
  

This is a moment for all of us to raise our voices.

📣 We need better funding. 📣 We need data-informed policy. 📣 We need decision-makers to hear us.

The time is now to advocate for the well-being of women—about equity, access, and justice—start by exploring the State PAL platform and getting involved in your community. Share this post. Write to your representatives. Join advocacy efforts.

Women’s health cannot remain a footnote in policy debates. The time to act is now.