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6 Key Moments Advancing Women’s Health in the US in 2024


This year has brought remarkable progress in women’s health, fueled by research, philanthropy, and innovative policy initiatives. From lifesaving discoveries to substantial financial commitments, these efforts are helping to close gaps in healthcare access, improve outcomes, and empower women around the globe.


Here are six pivotal moments from 2024 that highlight the strides being made for women's well-being:


1. Female Doctors Save More Senior Women’s Lives

Groundbreaking research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that senior women treated by female doctors experience better health outcomes, potentially saving up to 5,000 lives annually. The study credited women doctors’ superior communication and listening skills, along with their ability to engage openly with patients. These findings underscore the importance of diverse representation in healthcare and the impact it has on women’s longevity and quality of life.


2. Proposed Free Access to Over-the-Counter Contraception

In a significant step toward reproductive healthcare equity, the Biden-Harris administration introduced a proposal to make condoms and over-the-counter contraception free for those with private insurance. This initiative, if implemented, could benefit an estimated 52 million women, addressing critical needs in a post-Roe era and ensuring broader access to family planning tools.


3. Training Doulas to Combat Maternal Mortality in Rural Areas

The Morehouse School of Medicine celebrated its first cohort of trained doulas, or perinatal patient navigators, aimed at bringing maternal care to underserved rural areas in Georgia. This effort directly addresses the state’s high maternal mortality rate of 33.9 deaths per 100,000 births. Advocates are pushing for Medicaid to cover doula services, a move that could improve outcomes and reduce racial disparities in maternal healthcare.


4. Black Women Empowered by Home Births

Amid persistent racial disparities in maternal care, some Black women are finding empowerment and improved experiences through home births. By choosing to give birth in familiar settings where they feel heard and respected, these women are reclaiming autonomy over their bodies and their birthing journeys. Their stories highlight the need for more compassionate and culturally competent care in traditional healthcare settings.


5. Melinda French Gates Invests $250 Million in Women’s Health

Philanthropist Melinda French Gates launched the “Action for Women’s Health” initiative, committing $250 million through her investment company, Pivotal Ventures. The funding supports organisations tackling mental and physical health challenges for women worldwide. This comes alongside a broader $1 billion pledge to advance women’s rights and health over the next two years, demonstrating Gates’ dedication to systemic change.


6. First Lady Jill Biden’s Bold Commitment to Women’s Health

First Lady Jill Biden spearheaded transformative initiatives in 2024, starting with the $100 million "Sprint for Women’s Health" to fund underrepresented research areas. In September, she announced an additional $500 million to enhance the health and well-being of women in the U.S. military. Her leadership reinforces the urgent need for sustained investment in women’s health research and services.


Progress That Matters

These six moments illuminate the growing recognition of women’s unique health needs and the systemic changes required to address them. Whether through lifesaving research, community-based initiatives, or landmark funding, 2024 has proven to be a year of action, setting a hopeful tone for the future of women's health.


By continuing to prioritise and advocate for these advancements, we can ensure a healthier, more equitable future for all women.

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