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EVERYTHING
Big Business Focuses On Endometriosis (Finally)
What: GE HealthCare sees a (financial) future in women’s health care, and is “teaming up with the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine to study MRI protocols for pelvic conditions commonly experienced by women, like endometriosis and ovarian cancer, and developing educational resources to support clinicians.”
Why it matters: Women wait far too long to get a diagnosis, and some never get one at all: “One 2023 Columbia University study found that 4% to 16% of women experience chronic pelvic pain (CPP), and that about half of cases remain undiagnosed.”
Source: Healthcare Brew
ABORTION ACCESS
Kamala on Abortion Access in California
What: CalMatters has a deep dive into Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris’ record on abortion, especially from her time as the attorney general in California. During that time Harris built a case against anti-abortion activist David Daleiden, who had “posted videos purporting to show Planned Parenthood executives engaging in the illegal sale of fetal remains. …At least 13 state investigations, including those initiated by Republican lawmakers, have since debunked the claims made by Daleiden in the videos.” Harris also used her position to advocate against fake health centers.
Why it matters: We’ve never had a president take office with such a nitty-gritty experience protecting reproductive health.
Source: CalMatters
Hadley Duvall: Taking Her Power Back
What: The New York Times profiles Hadley Duvall, the young woman who spoke to the DNC about the importance of abortion access after being raped and impregnated by her stepfather at 12.
Why it matters: “Ms. Duvall, who is in her early 20s, said in an interview on Wednesday that the address at the convention — among the most dramatic moments onstage all week — was one of the most powerful experiences of her life, a milestone in her journey toward healing. She also said it was an opportunity to give voice to an issue that she contended was not about political views but about the burdens placed on young girls and women like herself when access to abortion is curbed. ‘It felt like so much of my little self was taking her power back,’ she said. ‘It is something that is going to keep my heart full for a very long time.’”
Source: New York Times
MENOPAUSE
There’s Another Pill to Fight Hot Flashes
What: A second, nonhormonal pill to stop hot flashes and improve sleep for menopausal women performed well in a clinical trial, according to manufacturer Bayer.
Why it matters: “For some women, the symptoms are bothersome but don’t interfere with daily functioning. For others, though, they can be debilitating, and many doctors are reluctant to offer the traditional treatment, hormone replacement therapy, for fear it could increase the risks of stroke, cancer and heart disease. ‘Very few women get any sort of help,’ said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, who is director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Women’s Health.”
Source: CNN
AARP Backs Menopause Bill
What: The AARP reminds us that there’s a bill floating around Congress that “would invest $275 million over five years in federal research, health care workforce training, education efforts and public health promotion to improve menopause care.” The organization sent a letter to the bipartisan group of female senators who sponsored the legislation, backing the bill and thanking them for their leadership on the issue.
Why it matters: The AARP is a powerful lobbying organization when it comes to health policy on Capitol Hill.
Source: AARP
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