President Joe Biden expressed his pride in the progress of a women's health research initiative that he launched last year, which has already invested nearly $1 billion. The President emphasized the importance of investing in women's health, stating that a healthy female population contributes to U.S. prosperity.
The White House Conference on Women's Health Research highlighted the need for increased funding and study of women's unique health circumstances. Despite women making up half of the U.S. population, research in this area has been historically underfunded.
Jill Biden played a crucial role in bringing the initiative to the President's attention, following a suggestion from women's health advocate Maria Shriver. The First Lady expressed her commitment to continuing advocacy for women's health even after leaving her role.
The economic impact of women's health issues was also discussed, with Jill Biden citing the $1.8 billion lost annually due to menopause affecting women in the workforce. She also shared a personal connection to the research, mentioning her granddaughter's experience with extreme morning sickness during pregnancy.
The initiative has garnered significant federal funding, including support from the Defense Department and National Institutes of Health. The conference attendees were commended for their efforts in prioritizing women's health research at the federal level.
President Biden acknowledged the influence of his wife in championing women's health, highlighting her dedication to the cause. The First Lady's ongoing commitment to advancing women's health research was underscored, with plans to continue building alliances and advocating for innovative funding.
The conference concluded with President Biden recognizing the impact of his wife's advocacy and the importance of listening to her perspective on women's health issues.