Newswise — The Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) endorses the“Research for All Act of 2014” introduced today by Representatives Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in Congress. As the leading voice on advocacy and research into women’s health and the biological differences between women and men, SWHR believes this legislation will have a powerful impact on women’s health research.

SWHR President and CEO Phyllis Greenberger said, “The Society for Women’s Health Research is proud to support the Research for All Act of 2014, which we believe represents a significant step forward in helping get more women in clinical trials. This legislation will encourage greater study of sex differences in medical research so we can better understand how diseases and treatments affect men and women differently.

Earlier this year, SWHR called on congressional leaders to do more to ensure that women are appropriately represented in clinical trials. We are pleased that Congress has taken notice and thank Representatives Cooper and Lummis for their commitment to improving the health of every American through this legislation. Still, we have a long way to go.

SWHR calls on all members of Congress to support this bill as women’s health is a bipartisan issue and this research impacts our knowledge of both women and men. We need even more women to be included in clinical trials, especially in the earlier phases of research (Phase I and Phase II), and we need the research data to be properly analyzed for sex differences where applicable. This information is vital to the health of all Americans.”

Among other things, the Research for All Act of 2014 would:

• Directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to guarantee that clinical drug trials for expedited drug products are sufficient to determine safety and effectiveness for both men and women• Increase the study of female animals, tissues and cells in basic research conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and require the NIH to track how they are used• Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and report on women and minority inclusion in medical research at both the NIH and the FDA

SWHR invites health care stakeholders to sign onto a joint letter supporting this legislation that will be submitted to Congress. To review a copy of the letter or to sign on, contact Leslie Ritter, director of government affairs, at [email protected].

For the latest news and developments, visit SWHR.org.

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Policy
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Gender Issues
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Sex Differences NIH FDA Congress
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