Enacts the menopause awareness improvement act

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic4

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Roxanne J. Persaud says this is needed

Menopause is a natural biological transition experienced by over half the population, yet it remains widely misunderstood, under-researched, and stigmatized-particularly in the workplace. The effects of menopause, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and mental health impacts, can significantly impact a person's physical and mental wellbeing, productivity, and career progression. Despite this, few organizations have formal policies or training in place to address these challenges. This legislation addresses the following: 1. Workforce Retention & Equity Millions of women leave the workforce early or reduce hours due to unmanaged menopause symptoms. This contrib- utes to gender inequity in earnings, career advancement, and retirement security. Increasing awareness and support can enhance retention and reduce turnover costs. 2. Public Health & Education Gaps Menopause education is inconsistent, even among healthcare professionals. A lack of standardized information leaves many women unprepared and unsupported. Legislative action can help integrate menopause education into public health initiatives, professional training, and workplace wellness programs. 3. Economic Impact Studies suggest that menopause-related productivity losses cost billions annually. By promoting awareness, training, and policy development, this legislation can help employers proactively manage health-related absences and improve workforce productivity. 4. Reducing Stigma & Discrimination Raising awareness helps combat the stigma associated with menopause, ensuring that employees can speak openly, seek support, and request accommodation without fear of discrim- ination or marginalization. The Menopause Awareness Improvement Act aims to promote evidence-based education on menopause for both the public and healthcare professionals, addressing widespread gaps in knowledge and awareness. It allows for research to better understand the impact of menopause on workforce participation and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing workplace policies that support menopausal employees. Additionally, the Act seeks to facilitate the development of training and clinical guidelines for healthcare providers, ensuring more informed, consistent, and supportive care during the menopause transition.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.