Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1320
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1320Medical researchVeterans' medical care
Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act
INTRO APR 8· LAST ACTION DEC 2
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
10BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health are significant phases in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms. For servicewomen and veterans, these experiences can be uniquely impacted by the stresses of military service, combat exposure, and environmental factors like toxic chemicals.
If this bill becomes law, it will push the government to specifically investigate these unique health challenges for military women. This could lead to a better understanding of their symptoms, more effective and tailored treatments, and improved training for their healthcare providers within the DoD and VA. Without this bill, there might be less focused effort to research and address these specific health needs, potentially leaving gaps in care and knowledge for a population that has served the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate existing research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life women's health for servicewomen and veterans.
This ensures a comprehensive review of current knowledge and identifies areas where understanding is lacking.
PROVISION 02
Requires the evaluation to specifically identify gaps in research on treatments, safety and effectiveness of treatments, and the impact of military service (including combat roles and exposures) on these health stages.
This focuses the investigation on unique challenges faced by military women and potential solutions.
PROVISION 03
Mandates an assessment of professional training for healthcare providers and the availability and use of treatments for perimenopause and menopause within the DoD and VA.
This helps determine if healthcare professionals are adequately prepared and if servicewomen and veterans have access to necessary care.
PROVISION 04
Requires both departments to submit a report to Congress within 180 days, summarizing findings and presenting a strategic plan to address identified research gaps.
This ensures accountability and provides a roadmap for future action and improvements in women's health research and care.
This bill matters because menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life health are significant phases in a woman's life, often accompanied by various physical and emotional symptoms. For servicewomen and veterans, these experiences can be uniquely impacted by the stresses of military service, combat exposure, and environmental factors like toxic chemicals.
If this bill becomes law, it will push the government to specifically investigate these unique health challenges for military women. This could lead to a better understanding of their symptoms, more effective and tailored treatments, and improved training for their healthcare providers within the DoD and VA. Without this bill, there might be less focused effort to research and address these specific health needs, potentially leaving gaps in care and knowledge for a population that has served the country.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate existing research on menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life women's health for servicewomen and veterans.
This ensures a comprehensive review of current knowledge and identifies areas where understanding is lacking.
high
Requires the evaluation to specifically identify gaps in research on treatments, safety and effectiveness of treatments, and the impact of military service (including combat roles and exposures) on these health stages.
This focuses the investigation on unique challenges faced by military women and potential solutions.
med
Mandates an assessment of professional training for healthcare providers and the availability and use of treatments for perimenopause and menopause within the DoD and VA.
This helps determine if healthcare professionals are adequately prepared and if servicewomen and veterans have access to necessary care.
high
Requires both departments to submit a report to Congress within 180 days, summarizing findings and presenting a strategic plan to address identified research gaps.
This ensures accountability and provides a roadmap for future action and improvements in women's health research and care.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs must submit a report and strategic plan to Congress.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Menopause
A natural stage in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, meaning she can no longer get pregnant. It is not a disease but a normal part of aging.
Perimenopause
The transitional period leading up to menopause, during which a woman's hormone levels, especially estrogen, fluctuate unevenly. It's also known as the menopausal transition.
Mid-life
A life stage that typically aligns with the menopausal transition, often beginning around age 35 and extending to age 65. It's a time when many chronic diseases may start.
Postmenopausal
The stage of a woman's life that begins 12 months after her last menstrual period and continues for the rest of her life, often associated with increased risks for conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Covered provider
A healthcare provider who works for either the Department of Defense (DoD) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Strategic plan
A detailed plan outlining the goals, actions, and resources needed to achieve specific objectives, in this case, resolving research gaps and identifying future research topics.
PFAS
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTS
DEC 2, 25
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with amendments. Without written report.
COMMITTEE
DEC 2, 25
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 275.
CALENDARS
JUL 30, 25
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
COMMITTEE
MAY 21, 25
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 119-86.
An acronym for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a group of manufactured chemicals used in various products and sometimes linked to health concerns, especially concerning environmental exposure.
