Women’s Health Research and the ‘Big Lie’

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: G. Lawrence DeMarco, LLM
Email: ldemarco@menandboys.net
Phone: +1-215-901-1930

Women’s Health Research and the ‘Big Lie’

November 18, 2024 – The observance of November as Men’s Equality Month (1) and International Men’s Day on November 19(2) brings renewed attention to the debate in gender health research. A dominant claim suggests that women have been systematically excluded from medical studies, resulting in severe research funding gaps. However, facts do not support this narrative.

For decades, the belief that women were excluded from clinical trials remained largely unchallenged. Influential voices, such as a 1993 New England Journal of Medicine editorial, stated categorically that “women have been systematically excluded as subjects for study,” implying a male-dominated research focus. (3)

On the contrary, between 1966 and 1990, the period preceding major policy shifts, a substantial number of studies did include women. Research highlighted that women were not only present in clinical trials but, epidemiological studies revealed a 15.8% difference favoring female participation, according to Medline analyses. (4)

Nonetheless, this false narrative has driven significant initiatives. In 2000, the budget allocation of the DHHS men’s health programs was $963.6 million. In comparison, the DHHS allocated approximately $5 billion to women’s health research and education, representing a 5:1 sex imbalance. (5)

In addition, there are now eight federal offices of women’s health, compared to none devoted to men’s health. Most recently, in further reliance on the false narrative that women’s health had been underfunded for decades, the Biden administration made a $731 million White House commitment to advancing women’s health. (6)

The negative consequences of neglecting men’s health are dire. Men face a persistent five-year lifespan disadvantage compared to women—a global disparity that is especially stark in countries like Russia, where the longevity gap exceeds 10 years. (7)

Achieving gender equality necessitates acknowledging and addressing all gaps, not just those that align with prevailing narratives.

The International Council for Men and Boys calls on media, lawmakers, and society to promote fair, evidence-based health policies like establishing a national office for men’s health.

The International Council for Men and Boys is a non-governmental organization that is working to celebrate the contributions of men to society and to end the 12 sex disparities that affect men and boys around the world. Achieving #GenderEqualityForMen also will benefit women. https://www.menandboys.net/

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Women’s Health Research and the ‘Big Lie’

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