H.R. 9273119th CongressIntroduced Jun 11, 2026

To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require public institutions of higher education that receive grants under the Medical Student Education program to include training for medical students relating to menopause in the curriculums of such institutions, and for other purposes.

IntroducedEducationSubstantive

Sponsor: Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
Committees: Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
Last action: Jun 11, 2026

Bottom line

H.R. 9273 aims to enhance medical education by requiring menopause training for medical students at institutions receiving federal grants, thereby improving care for a significant demographic.

What it actually does

This bill mandates that public institutions of higher education receiving grants under the Medical Student Education program must incorporate training related to menopause into their medical student curriculums. The objective is to ensure that future physicians, regardless of their specialty, are better equipped to address the health needs of individuals experiencing menopause.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that there is a significant deficiency in current medical education regarding menopause, leading to inadequate care for millions of women. Mandating this training would address a critical gap in physician preparedness, improve patient outcomes, and reduce health disparities related to menopausal health. They contend that integrating this requirement into existing federal grant programs is an efficient and effective way to achieve this necessary educational enhancement.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that mandating specific curriculum content from the federal level could infringe upon academic freedom and the autonomy of medical schools to design their own programs based on evolving medical science and institutional priorities. They may contend that while menopause education is important, such decisions should primarily rest with medical accreditation bodies or individual institutions, rather than being imposed through federal legislative mandates tied to funding, which could potentially create an unfunded mandate or divert resources from other critical areas.

The bill text is exceptionally short and can be read in under a minute, allowing ample time for comprehensive evaluation.

SECTION 1. MEDICAL STUDENT EDUCATION PROGRAM: MENOPAUSE TRAINING REQUIREMENT.

Mandatory Menopause Training in Medical Student Education Program

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to establish a condition for public institutions of higher education receiving grants under the Medical Student Education program. As a condition of receiving these grants, institutions must include training for medical students relating to menopause in their curriculum. The stated purpose is to better prepare physicians across all specialties to address menopause-related health concerns.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupPublic institutions of higher education receiving Medical Student Education grantsImpactIncreased curriculum requirementsMechanismCondition for receiving federal grantsScaleDirectly impacts all recipient institutions

GroupMedical studentsImpactEnhanced education in menopause careMechanismMandatory curriculum inclusionScaleAffects all students at recipient institutions

GroupPatients experiencing menopauseImpactPotentially improved quality of careMechanismMore knowledgeable physicians across specialtiesScaleBroad societal benefit for a significant demographic

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision directly addresses a critical gap in medical education, ensuring future doctors are equipped to provide comprehensive care for menopausal individuals, thereby improving health outcomes and quality of life for a large segment of the population.

Critics contend

Critics might argue that while the goal is laudable, mandating specific curriculum content from Congress could be seen as overreach, potentially leading to a less flexible and responsive medical education system. They might prefer that such curriculum decisions remain with medical school faculty and accreditation bodies.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire for improved public health outcomes through specialized training against concerns about federal intervention in academic curriculum design and the potential for increased administrative burden on medical schools.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.