POV: A $100 million investment in women’s healthcare isn’t enough. This is what we need
Women’s health is finally being recognized by the White House as an area of opportunity for investment and development—and also a growing state of emergency and neglect. As female leaders deeply committed to advancing women’s healthcare, we feel a sense of urgency and hope thanks to the recent announcement of First Lady Jill Biden’s $100 million in funding for women’s health initiatives coupled with President Joe Biden’s $12 billion proposal to grow this space. However, despite this welcome advancement, the reality remains stark: Women’s health is in crisis, and more comprehensive funding is needed to address the myriad challenges we face. We applaud the White House’s recognition of the pivotal role women play in healthcare decision-making. Biden’s advocacy for increased investment in women’s health research emphasizes the urgency of addressing existing disparities and promoting innovative solutions. Women are often the primary caregivers in their families, assuming the role of “chief medical officer” with dedication and compassion. Yet despite our indispensable contributions to healthcare, women continue to be underserved, particularly in areas such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and menopause. Backed by startling statistics detailing why these three conditions are a growing epidemic for women, here’s why we’re advocating for them today. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women Heart disease is a glaring example of today’s disparity in women’s health. Even though nearly one in three women will die of a heart-related condition, diagnosis is frequently missed or delayed in women since their symptoms often differ from those seen in men. Women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed following a heart attack and, according to the American Heart Association, less than half of all primary care doctors and cardiologists say they feel “extremely well prepared” to assess women’s cardiovascular risks, highlighting the urgent need to improve awareness of diagnostic protocols among healthcare providers and expand access to heart health monitoring tools to all women. Autoimmune diseases are an invisible illness disproportionately affecting women According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, approximately 80% of autoimmune disease patients are women. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome are 16 times more common in women. Despite this significant gender imbalance, the reality is that we still haven’t invested enough funding to understand why autoimmune conditions disproportionately impact women. Although new evidence is emerging that hypothesizes why women are more at risk, studies have revealed disparities in autoimmune disease research funding, with many conditions receiving limited support compared to other health priorities. Not only do autoimmune diseases pose a significant physical and mental toll on the women affected, but these invisible illnesses are also silently driving a top area of spend for employers and payors, with patients costing $30,000 per year on average and accounting for roughly 30% of a payor or employer’s overall pharmacy spend and 50% of their specialty spend. Menopause has long been misunderstood and overlooked In addition, menopause, which impacts every woman at some point in her life, has historically been overlooked in medical research and funding priorities. Approximately 85% of menopausal women will experience symptoms ranging from hot flashes and insomnia to mood swings, yet 75% of women who seek medical help for these symptoms do not receive any treatment. This is not surprising, given that 80% of OB-GYNs say they have never received any specialized education or training in menopause/perimenopause. What’s perhaps even more troubling is that according to a recent article in Nature Aging, 99% of preclinical studies on aging ignore menopause, contributing to significant gaps in developing care for aging women. Women need more than the White House While we’re thankful for the White House’s intervention in women’s health, we also call on financial institutions and investors like venture capitalists to take notice. Statistics show that only 2% of overall venture funding in health companies is directed toward women’s health startups, highlighting a profound disparity in investment priorities and an opportunity for change. This disparity underscores the need for continued advocacy and investment in initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of women, ensuring equitable access to quality care and innovation. This lack of funding not only stifles innovation but also perpetuates a cycle of neglect and invisibility. Without adequate resources, we cannot develop the life-changing solutions women desperately need. From puberty and PMS struggles to conditions like autoimmune disease and endometriosis to the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, comprehensive clinical support is essential at every
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Women’s health is finally being recognized by the White House as an area of opportunity for investment and development—and also a growing state of emergency and neglect.
As female leaders deeply committed to advancing women’s healthcare, we feel a sense of urgency and hope thanks to the recent announcement of First Lady Jill Biden’s $100 million in funding for women’s health initiatives coupled with President Joe Biden’s $12 billion proposal to grow this space.
However, despite this welcome advancement, the reality remains stark: Women’s health is in crisis, and more comprehensive funding is needed to address the myriad challenges we face.
We applaud the White House’s recognition of the pivotal role women play in healthcare decision-making. Biden’s advocacy for increased investment in women’s health research emphasizes the urgency of addressing existing disparities and promoting innovative solutions. Women are often the primary caregivers in their families, assuming the role of “chief medical officer” with dedication and compassion.
Yet despite our indispensable contributions to healthcare, women continue to be underserved, particularly in areas such as heart disease, autoimmune disease, and menopause. Backed by startling statistics detailing why these three conditions are a growing epidemic for women, here’s why we’re advocating for them today.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women
Heart disease is a glaring example of today’s disparity in women’s health. Even though nearly one in three women will die of a heart-related condition, diagnosis is frequently missed or delayed in women since their symptoms often differ from those seen in men. Women are 50% more likely to be misdiagnosed following a heart attack and, according to the American Heart Association, less than half of all primary care doctors and cardiologists say they feel “extremely well prepared” to assess women’s cardiovascular risks, highlighting the urgent need to improve awareness of diagnostic protocols among healthcare providers and expand access to heart health monitoring tools to all women.
Autoimmune diseases are an invisible illness disproportionately affecting women
According to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, approximately 80% of autoimmune disease patients are women. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome are 16 times more common in women.
Despite this significant gender imbalance, the reality is that we still haven’t invested enough funding to understand why autoimmune conditions disproportionately impact women. Although new evidence is emerging that hypothesizes why women are more at risk, studies have revealed disparities in autoimmune disease research funding, with many conditions receiving limited support compared to other health priorities.
Not only do autoimmune diseases pose a significant physical and mental toll on the women affected, but these invisible illnesses are also silently driving a top area of spend for employers and payors, with patients costing $30,000 per year on average and accounting for roughly 30% of a payor or employer’s overall pharmacy spend and 50% of their specialty spend.
Menopause has long been misunderstood and overlooked
In addition, menopause, which impacts every woman at some point in her life, has historically been overlooked in medical research and funding priorities. Approximately 85% of menopausal women will experience symptoms ranging from hot flashes and insomnia to mood swings, yet 75% of women who seek medical help for these symptoms do not receive any treatment.
This is not surprising, given that 80% of OB-GYNs say they have never received any specialized education or training in menopause/perimenopause. What’s perhaps even more troubling is that according to a recent article in Nature Aging, 99% of preclinical studies on aging ignore menopause, contributing to significant gaps in developing care for aging women.
Women need more than the White House
While we’re thankful for the White House’s intervention in women’s health, we also call on financial institutions and investors like venture capitalists to take notice. Statistics show that only 2% of overall venture funding in health companies is directed toward women’s health startups, highlighting a profound disparity in investment priorities and an opportunity for change. This disparity underscores the need for continued advocacy and investment in initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of women, ensuring equitable access to quality care and innovation.
This lack of funding not only stifles innovation but also perpetuates a cycle of neglect and invisibility. Without adequate resources, we cannot develop the life-changing solutions women desperately need. From puberty and PMS struggles to conditions like autoimmune disease and endometriosis to the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, comprehensive clinical support is essential at every stage of a woman’s health journey.
As leaders committed to making women’s health more equitable, we believe a comprehensive approach to funding is crucial. We must invest in research, innovation, and education to address the systemic barriers that prevent women from accessing quality healthcare. This includes bridging the gap in data collection and analysis, and prioritizing the development of targeted treatments and interventions.
As the current administration rolls out initiatives aimed at women’s health R&D, we urge those with power—government institutions, venture capitalists, employers, payors, and health systems—to consider women leaders working in digital healthcare. We have a unique perspective on the challenges facing women’s health, and our insights can inform more effective and inclusive policies.
Educate yourselves on the issues disproportionately impacting women and the companies that are addressing those burdens. Pay attention to policy changes impacting women’s healthcare, such as reproductive rights, and celebrate initiatives like the ones rolling out of the White House now. If you have the power, invest in female leaders and the healthcare research, development, and treatment of women. By investing in our vision, we can create a brighter future for women everywhere.
The health and well-being of women isn’t just a matter of economic or political concern; it is a fundamental human right. Together, we can build a world where every woman has access to the care and support she deserves. As we continue to advocate for women’s health, let’s remember that our collective actions today will shape the future for generations to come. With the right support and leadership, we can create a world where every woman can thrive.
Ellen Rudolph is the cofounder and CEO of WellTheory. Joanna Strober is CEO of Midi Health. Priya Abani is the CEO and president of AliveCor.
