WASHINGTON, D.C. — During his State of the Union address, President Biden dropped hints about an upcoming focus on women’s health. He prompted Congress to approve a $12 billion investment in the National Institutes of Health fund for women’s health.
On Monday, the president came through on his promise. Alongside First Lady Jill Biden, the pair announced The White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. There are several key areas the new program will tackle.
Integration of Federal Research Portfolios
This portion of the initiative directs agencies to strengthen data collection and standards. There is also a safety net to make sure that funding for research programs is used appropriately with attention on the health of women.
Funding to Prioritize Women’s Health Research
One of the biggest issues that have threatened progress in women’s health research in the past is lack of funding. This will help to bridge the gap between resources and research. The president also hopes that it will boost research innovation that agencies have previously lacked.
Research for Midlife Health
As women age and go through menopause they become vulnerable to various health risks. Post-menopausal women have a higher risk of heart attack, osteoporosis, and stroke because of a lower presence of estrogen. The goal is to invest in research that can lead to more medical solutions for the side effects of menopause.
Furthermore, the order will require agencies to review procedures and protocols that have left out women’s health in the past. Traditionally, federal funding in medical research has not been awarded with women in mind. The new initiatives will prompt agencies to report how they’ve used funds to promote women’s health research.
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One topic to note is a call for more research into early detection of diseases like endometriosis. This condition is fairly common among women but hard to diagnose. Endometriosis occurs when tissue typically found inside the uterus appears outside the uterus. It impacts between 5-10% of women and young girls of reproductive age. Women with endometriosis may experience a range of symptoms including extreme pain and infertility.
As for the budget, Biden is requesting double the amount that is currently directed to the NIH Office of Women’s Health Research.
Black Women’s Health
As for any disparity that impacts women, women of color can typically expect to fare worse.
According to the Department of Human and Health Services, Black women are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than white women. Hypertension can be a precursor to heart disease because it restricts blood flow in the arteries that flow into the heart. As a whole, Black Americans are more likely to die from heart disease than their white counterparts.
A similar story holds true for breast cancer rates. A 2022 report from the American Cancer Society found that Black women are less likely to have breast cancer compared to white women but are more likely to die from the disease. Disparities in screening resources, access to Medicaid, socioeconomic status, and proximity to treatment are factors that contribute to mortality rates.
Medical experts have designated areas across the country as “maternity care deserts.” Shortages in OBGYN practitioners in the last five years have caused delays in care for many women nationwide. This can be a death sentence for Black women in rural areas. Black women are three times more likely to die during childbirth than white women. According to the CDC, roughly 70 Black women out of every 100,000 die during delivery.
In February, CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative Linda Goler Blount participated in a round table event with Jill Biden. “I’m particularly excited about the emphasis on representative research and programs that center women’s lived experiences,” Blount said during the discussion. “This ensures findings accurately reflect the diverse realities of women, leading to more effective solutions and improved health outcomes.”
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