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MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

White House Initiative on Women's Health Research

HealthcareHealthcareFederal WorkforceFederal Workforce

In simple terms

This memorandum establishes a White House Initiative on Women's Health Research within the Office of the First Lady to coordinate and advance federal research on women's health. The Initiative brings together 20+ agencies in an advisory capacity to assess research gaps, set priorities, and develop recommendations, with initial recommendations due to the President within 45 days.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 80085

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 88 FR 80085

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Agency recommendations to President on concrete actions to advance women's health research

Key directives

  • Establish White House Initiative on Women's Health Research in Office of the First Lady
  • Designate Chair with dual role in Office of the First Lady and White House Gender Policy Council
  • HHS to provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations
  • Agency heads to provide recommendations within 45 days on concrete actions to advance women's health research
  • Agency heads to assist and provide information to Chair as necessary
  • Agency heads to submit bi-annual progress reports to President through Chair
  • Secretary of HHS to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Initiative established within Office of the First Lady
  • Chair designated with dual role in Gender Policy Council
  • HHS designated to provide funding and administrative support

Near term (90d)

  • Agency recommendations due to President within 45 days (by December 28, 2023)
  • Initial coordination across 20+ agencies on women's health research priorities

Long term

  • Bi-annual progress reports to President
  • Potential policy recommendations for research investment
  • Development of public-private partnerships
  • Workforce diversification in health research

Risks & tensions

  • Advisory-only functions limit direct implementation authority; dependent on voluntary agency cooperation
  • 'To the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations' constrains HHS support
  • No new funding appropriated; relies on existing budgets
  • Potential tension between Office of the First Lady and established agencies over research priority-setting
  • Unclear enforcement mechanism for bi-annual reporting requirement
Presidential Memorandum: White House Initiative on Women's Health Research · Executive Orders