Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act
Impact
If passed, SB4246 would significantly influence federal health policy by mandating the Secretary of Health and Human Services to expand public health promotion and prevention initiatives targeted at improving mid-life women's health. It would authorize appropriate appropriations for various health programs, supporting research into the long-term health effects of menopause and chronic conditions it influences. Furthermore, the bill promotes the establishment of 'Centers of Excellence' dedicated to refining menopause care practices and enhancing the professional training of healthcare providers in this field.
Summary
SB4246, known as the 'Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act', aims to improve menopause care and enhance mid-life health outcomes for women through multiple initiatives. The bill emphasizes the importance of research on perimenopause and menopausal symptoms, aiming to expand studies across various health conditions that disproportionately affect women during this transition, such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. This legislation seeks to address both acute and chronic health concerns, providing federal support to improve health outcomes among women transitioning through menopause.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB4246 involve concerns around the prioritization of funding and resources towards women's mid-life health compared to other health initiatives. Critics might argue that focused grants for women's health must not detract from comprehensive healthcare funding, while supporters assert that historical underinvestment in women's health warrants special attention to ensure equitable health outcomes. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the effectiveness of educational and outreach efforts provided by the bill in reaching underserved populations and ensuring successful implementation of its initiatives throughout diverse communities.
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2023, as "World Menopause Awareness Month" and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding global awareness and access to care during the menopausal transition and post-menopause.
Enacts the menopause awareness improvement act; establishes a menopause education program; establishes course work or training in menopausal health; directs the commissioner of labor to conduct a study on the impact of menopause on the workforce.
Enacts the menopause awareness improvement act; establishes a menopause education program; establishes course work or training in menopausal health; directs the commissioner of labor to conduct a study on the impact of menopause on the workforce.
Establishes interagency council on menopause in DOH and requires certain lincensed health care professionals to distribute menopause informational pamphlets under certain circumstances.