Story perspectives

Gillibrand Launches First Congressional Menopause Hearing for Funding

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 11:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is convening the first congressional hearing on menopause.
The Senate Committee on Aging will hold the hearing titled “Half the Country, Zero Hearings.”
Gillibrand says the hearing will argue for increased federal funding for menopause research.
She also urges reforms to better train medical professionals to assist women with menopause.

History

Historical Context

The 1990 NIH Revitalization Act, signed by President George H.W. Bush, mandated inclusion of women in clinical research and created the Office of Research on Women's Health. The act earmarked $10 million for women-focused studies, and by 1995 NIH reported women comprised 30 % of trial participants. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Senate Aging Committee hearing on menopause mirrors that legislation, urging new funding and training to close long-standing gaps. Following the 1990 precedent, Congress could double menopause research capacity, shaping guidelines and improving health for half the population.

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Story summary

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is convening the first congressional hearing on menopause.
The Senate Committee on Aging will hold the hearing titled “Half the Country, Zero Hearings.”
Gillibrand says the hearing will argue for increased federal funding for menopause research.
She also urges reforms to better train medical professionals to assist women with menopause.

1 / 2