Congressional Briefing on Women’s Inclusion in Clinical Research
On January 20, 2026, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) hosted a congressional briefing on the persistent barriers that limit women’s participation in clinical research.
Despite decades of progress, women remain underrepresented in clinical trials, resulting in critical gaps in understanding disease progression, diagnostics, and treatment effectiveness across the lifespan. This widely attended, in-person forum, held in recognition of Women’s Health Research Day, brought together leaders from research, federal agencies, and patient advocacy to examine the regulatory, socioeconomic, and systemic challenges that continue to restrict equitable participation.
Panelists shared expert insights and lived perspectives while outlining actionable strategies to improve inclusion, strengthen trial design, and ensure that medical innovation reflects the needs of all populations. The discussion emphasized policy-driven solutions and cross-sector collaboration as essential tools for advancing women’s health research.
This event underscored the importance of inclusive research practices in shaping evidence-based care and improving health outcomes for women nationwide.
Featured panelists included:
- Katie Baca Motes, MBA, CEO, GSD Health Research
- Aaron Pawlyk, PhD, NICHD (NIH)
- Olga Lucia Torres, MS, JD, Columbia University & Lupus Foundation of America