California lawmakers advance menopause education bill to address disparities in women's health

A pivotal discussion on women's health took center stage during the California State Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee meeting on July 7, 2025. Lawmakers emphasized the urgent need for policy changes to address the significant gaps in care and education surrounding menopause, particularly for aging women and communities of color.

A key advocate, a lawyer and committee member, highlighted the systemic neglect of aging women in healthcare, stating, "Aging women are one of those populations that institutions are not going to run to care for on their own." This sentiment underscored the importance of legislative action to ensure that healthcare providers receive adequate training on menopause, which affects a substantial portion of the female population.

The committee discussed a bill aimed at enhancing continuing medical education (CME) related to menopause, with support from organizations like the California Medical Association (CMA). The CMA expressed readiness to develop accredited courses on menopause, acknowledging the need for culturally relevant training that addresses the unique experiences of women from diverse backgrounds.

Research disparities were also a focal point, with references to studies from Stanford University on the menopausal experiences of Black women. The committee stressed the importance of directing research funding toward understanding these disparities and improving care for underrepresented communities.

As the meeting progressed, lawmakers reiterated their commitment to ensuring that future medical education includes comprehensive training on menopause. The bill received unanimous support, passing with a 7-0 vote, and is expected to pave the way for more inclusive healthcare practices.

The discussions at this meeting signal a significant step forward in addressing women's health issues, particularly as they relate to menopause, and highlight the ongoing need for policy-driven solutions to improve healthcare access and education for all women.