California Assembly hears bill requiring menopause training for physicians AB 432

The California State Senate's Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss a pivotal bill aimed at improving menopause care for women across the state. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, seeks to mandate that physicians receive training on menopause, addressing a significant gap in women's healthcare.

During the meeting, Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan shared her personal journey through menopause, highlighting the challenges many women face when seeking medical help. She recounted her struggles with symptoms that went unrecognized by multiple doctors, emphasizing the need for better education among healthcare providers. "Every woman who lives long enough will go through menopause," she stated, underscoring that this is a critical issue affecting half the population.

The proposed legislation would require doctors to complete four hours of menopause training over four years. This initiative aims to ensure that healthcare providers can recognize and treat the diverse symptoms of menopause, which extend beyond the commonly known hot flashes and night sweats. Experts at the meeting, including Dr. Emily Jacobs and Dr. Judy Mikasich, supported the bill, stressing that menopause impacts nearly every system in the body and that proper training is essential for effective treatment.

However, the bill faced opposition from several medical organizations, including the California Medical Association and the Medical Board of California. Critics argued that the mandate could be overly broad, potentially requiring specialists who do not treat menopause to undergo training. They suggested that incentivizing physicians to pursue menopause education voluntarily might be a more effective approach.

Despite the pushback, the committee expressed a commitment to refining the bill. Amendments are expected to address concerns raised by opponents, with the goal of fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes women's health without imposing undue burdens on physicians.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for improved menopause care, particularly for underserved populations. Senators noted that disparities in treatment can lead to severe health consequences for women, particularly women of color, who often face additional barriers in accessing appropriate care.

As the committee moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that women receive the healthcare they deserve, with the hope that this legislation will serve as a model for other states. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to the bill, aiming to strike a balance between effective training for physicians and the needs of patients.