The inauguration of a new administration in the White House heralds a consequential juncture for women’s health, not only within the United States but also on the global stage. Preliminary indications suggest a deliberate reversal of numerous policies instituted under the Biden presidency, raising profound concerns regarding the future of women’s health rights, funding for gender-specific medical research, protections against gender-based discrimination, and access to indispensable healthcare services. These impending changes will reverberate far beyond American borders, influencing international policy agendas, healthcare systems, and global health initiatives.
The Ramifications of the New Administration on Women’s Health in the United States
The new administration’s stance on women’s health research is deeply disquieting. Under President Biden, significant strides were made in bridging the gender gap in medical research, exemplified by a 2024 initiative allocating $500 million annually to underfunded domains such as menopause, maternal health, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. However, the recent issuance of executive orders dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has already precipitated the termination of vital research programs, many of which were dedicated to addressing disparities in health. These programs, which targeted female health, underserved communities and promoted diversity in clinical research, were integral to rectifying gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequities in healthcare.
As of February 1, 2025, Fox News reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had nullified 104 federal DEI contracts, collectively valued at approximately $1 billion. Among these were numerous contracts from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that had been instrumental in advancing women’s health research. Concurrently, The Guardian revealed that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) had surreptitiously expunged critical content from the Office of Research on Women’s Health website, including essential resources on maternal morbidity and mortality. These actions engender significant apprehension about the accessibility of crucial health information for both the public and medical researchers.
Furthermore, the rollbacks of policies expanding Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are poised to disproportionately affect women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Medicaid serves as a fundamental source of healthcare coverage for millions of women, providing essential services such as pregnancy care, cancer screenings, family planning, and preventive diagnostics. The erosion of Medicaid provisions threatens to deprive countless women of these vital healthcare services, exacerbating pre-existing gender disparities in health outcomes. Simultaneously, the defunding of women’s health research is likely to impede medical advancements in areas that disproportionately impact women, including reproductive health and chronic conditions.
Global Repercussions of U.S. Policy Shifts
The implications of these policy reversals will extend far beyond American shores. Historically, the United States has been a global leader in health initiatives, providing an estimated $50 billion annually to support international healthcare programs, including family planning, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS prevention. The expected reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule—which prohibits foreign organizations receiving U.S. aid from offering, counselling on, or advocating for abortion services, even where legal—threatens to dismantle critical healthcare services worldwide. Health organizations that refuse to comply with the rule will face funding cessations, leading to clinic closures and severely diminished access to contraception, cervical cancer screenings, and maternal healthcare.
According to MSI Reproductive Choices, nearly 690 million women of reproductive age reside in countries that will be adversely affected by the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule. The resultant restrictions are anticipated to precipitate a sharp rise in unsafe abortions, unintended pregnancies, and maternal mortality, potentially reversing decades of progress in reproductive health.
Moreover, the administration’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) further imperils global health efforts. As the WHO’s largest historical financial contributor, the United States has provided approximately 16-18% of its annual budget. The abrupt cessation of U.S. funding will imperil key global health programs, including those dedicated to maternal and child health, vaccination campaigns, and pandemic response initiatives. The ensuing financial void, compounded by the loss of American expertise, will undoubtedly impede international efforts to combat health conditions that disproportionately affect women worldwide.
The Precarious Future of Women’s Health in Europe
Europe has long benefited from transatlantic collaborations in medical research and healthcare innovation. However, the attenuation of U.S. commitment to women’s health imperils these cooperative efforts. Groundbreaking medical advancements—such as Myfembree, a pioneering treatment for endometriosis and fibroids, developed through U.S.-European partnerships—could face stagnation if the United States curtails its investment in gender-specific medical research.
The United Kingdom’s healthcare system, already under duress, stands to suffer further. According to The Guardian, the NHS faces substantial budgetary constraints, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting announcing the elimination of numerous NHS targets in a bid to reduce waiting times. Among these abandoned targets are commitments to early cancer detection and certain women’s health priorities. The BBC reported in November 2024 that waiting lists for gynecological services have more than doubled since February 2020, with the The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) revealing that delays in gynecological treatment now affect a patient volume equivalent to eight times the capacity of Wembley Stadium. The erosion of NHS targets will further exacerbate these delays, leading to increased misdiagnoses, prolonged suffering, and deteriorating health outcomes for women.
Meanwhile, the rise of nationalist and far-right movements across Europe, mirroring conservative trends in the United States, poses an additional threat to women’s health advancements. In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally has consistently sought to curtail reproductive rights, while in Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has enabled hospitals to refuse abortion services under “conscientious objection” laws, thereby restricting women’s access to essential healthcare.
A Call to Action: The Imperative for Investment
Given these geopolitical shifts, proactive investment in women’s health is paramount. Private capital—through venture capital, angel investors, and philanthropic initiatives—must fill the void left by diminishing public funding. Women’s health represents a trillion-dollar market, as highlighted by McKinsey, driven by escalating demand for specialized care and technological innovation. Investors have a unique opportunity to bridge systemic healthcare gaps while capitalizing on a rapidly expanding sector.
A proliferation of startups is emerging to address women’s unique health needs, positioning themselves as prime candidates for investment. Companies such as Tia Health, Allara Health, and Teal Health are pioneering innovative solutions in preventative care, chronic disease management, and cervical cancer screening. Additionally, AI-driven platforms like Vara, which enhances breast cancer detection, are transforming the landscape of women’s healthcare.
At Goddess Gaia Ventures, we are resolutely committed to investing in enterprises that address health conditions that uniquely, disproportionately, and distinctly affect women. Our portfolio includes companies such as Predicta Med, Holly Health, Nabta Health and Syrona Health, all of which are dedicated to improving health outcomes for women. To clarify, we are not currently invested in the other companies mentioned but recognize the immense potential of this sector.
In an era of political volatility and prospective public health funding reductions, private investment will be instrumental in sustaining medical innovation, advancing gender-specific research, and fortifying healthcare infrastructure. Investing in women’s health is not merely a moral imperative—it represents an unparalleled financial opportunity poised to redefine the future of medicine.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture for Women’s Health
The transition of power in the White House signifies a watershed moment for women’s health policy. The potential rollback of reproductive rights, medical research funding, and healthcare protections threatens to derail progress in both the United States and abroad. Nevertheless, through strategic investment, cross-sector collaboration, and unwavering advocacy, we can safeguard and advance women’s health initiatives. The stakes are high, and the decisions made today will indelibly shape the healthcare landscape for generations to come. The imperative to act is now.
