The White House Initiative
on
Women's Health Research
We have a clear goal: to fundamentally change how our nation approaches and funds women’s health research.
First Lady Jill Biden, at an event announcing funding for women’s health research on february 21, 2024.
The President and First Lady launched the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research in November of 2023 with a clear goal: to fundamentally change how our country approaches and funds research on women’s health.
Women are over half the population, but research on women’s health has ALWAYS been underfunded and under-studied.
TOO MANY medical studies have focused on men and left women out.
TOO MANY of the medicine dosages, treatments, medical school text books, are based on men and their bodies – and that information doesn’t always apply to women.
That means there are BIG GAPS in medical research on:
- Diseases and conditions that only affect women (e.g., menopause, endometriosis)
- Diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect women (e.g., Alzheimer’s)
- Diseases and conditions that affect women and men differently (e.g., heart disease)
These gaps in research mean we know far too little about women’s health – and those gaps are bigger for women of color and women with disabilities.
We are going to change that.
Together, we will build a health care system that puts women and their lived experiences at its center. Where no woman or girl has to hear that “it’s all in your head,” or, “it’s just stress.” Where women aren’t just an after-thought, but a first-thought. Where women don’t just survive with chronic conditions, but lead long and healthy lives.
First Lady of the United States on February 21, 2024.
Resources on the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research
