On Monday, President Joe Biden enacted a new executive order to broaden U.S. government exploration into women’s health, committing $200 million for the next year to enhance understanding of various health issues, including sexual and reproductive conditions.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address gender disparities in medical research and leverage artificial intelligence for advancements in women’s health research.
“I’m going to make sure women’s health is prioritized across the government,” Biden stated during an event at the White House attended by notable figures such as Halle Berry and Maria Shriver.
“The executive order aims to correct longstanding biases in medical research, which has historically underrepresented women and prioritized male-centric studies, leading to a significant knowledge gap in health issues predominantly affecting women.
The National Institutes of Health has announced a new initiative focusing on menopause, aiming to identify and address research deficiencies in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Statistics from the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute highlight the disparity in health outcomes between genders, noting that women live longer than men but spend a greater portion of their lives in poor health.
“This discrepancy underscores the need for gender-specific research to improve health outcomes for women globally.
First Lady Jill Biden emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, “Medications, treatments and medical school textbooks are based on men and their bodies but that ends today.
“Finally, women will get the health care they deserve.”
The executive order mandates a more nuanced approach to medical research, ensuring that gender differences are adequately considered.
The administration’s request for $12 billion in new funding for women’s health research faces challenges in a divided Congress, especially in an election year.
However, the $200 million investment for the 2025 fiscal year marks a significant step forward, contingent on congressional approval of the proposed budget.
As the U.S. heads towards another election with Biden seeking reelection against Donald Trump, the importance of women’s healthcare is underscored by recent political developments, including the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Vice President Kamala Harris voiced concerns over the ongoing challenges to women’s rights, highlighting the critical nature of this moment for women’s autonomy over their health decisions.