Policy

Science must drive policy because policy drives change.

SWHR develops and champions public policy concepts that are grounded in science in order to improve women’s health.

2025-2026 Federal Legislative Agenda

SWHR’s Federal Legislative Agenda outlines how SWHR is engaging in federal policy over 2025-2026, highlighting the Society’s core leadership activities and other areas of active policy engagement.

Read the Agenda

Policy Engagement

SWHR actively responds to federal legislation, regulatory proposals, and relevant opportunities that have the potential to impact the health of women across the lifespan.

Policy Advisory Council

The Policy Advisory Council is an SWHR forum for collaboration and information-sharing amongst thought leaders who have an interest in women’s health policy.

Policy Events

Throughout the year SWHR hosts educational events, such as congressional briefings and webinars, to highlight policy needs and opportunities in women’s health research.

Legislative Tracker

SWHR tracks relevant federal legislation that aligns with our mission to improve women’s health through science, policy, and education.

Latest Policy Resources

From Awareness to Action: A Guide to Women’s Health Advocacy

SWHR Policy Agenda: Enacting Change to Improve Outcomes for Women Living with Obesity Across the Lifespan

SWHR created the Obesity Policy Agenda to explore policy needs and opportunities in the health of women living with obesity.

SWHR Policy Agenda: Improving Women’s Heart Health Outcomes Across the Lifespan

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, resulting in one...

Federal Agencies’ Work in Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions

This policy brief demonstrates how federal agencies are contributing to improved health and health care for women across the lifespan...

7.2.25 | Policy

SWHR Statement on H.R.1

The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) is deeply concerned about significant cuts to Medicaid included in H.R.1, passed by […]

6.3.25 | Policy

SWHR Statement on President’s FY 2026 Budget Request

June 3, 2025—The Society for Women’s Health Research issued the following statement in response to the release of President Trump’s […]

4.24.25 | Policy

SWHR Statement on HHS Decision to Restore Women’s Health Initiative Funding

SWHR is delighted to hear that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has made the decision to restore funding for the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Regional Center contracts.

4.4.25 | Policy

SWHR Statement on NICHD Leadership Departure

The Society for Women’s Health Research issued the following statement in response to the announced departure of Diana Bianchi, MD, from the National Institutes of Health.

SWHR Provides Input on NIH Artificial Intelligence Strategy

SWHR responded to a Request for Information from the National Institutes of Health requesting input on its artificial intelligence strategy.

SWHR Sends Comments to OPM on Proposed Rule Regarding Civil Service

SWHR provided comments to OPM on a proposed rule, Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service, which would...

SWHR Sends Letter to FDA in Study of Sex Differences in the Clinical Evaluation of Medical Products

In partnership with Leaders Engaged in Alzheimer’s Disease (LEAD) Coalition, the Society for Women's Health Research submitted a sign-on letter...

SWHR Sends Letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on the Contract Year 2026 Medicare Advantage and Part D Proposed Rule

SWHR submitted a letter in response to a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services request for input on a proposal...