SALT LAKE CITY — The Policy Project launches its 2027 legislative initiative to modernize menopause care in Utah, bringing women, medical providers, insurers, employers, and policymakers together to close gaps in menopause treatment, research, and resources.
The need is significant. One in five Utah women is in or approaching menopause. Nationally, 67.4% of women seeking menopause care struggled to get the answers or support they needed from a medical provider. Another 45% experienced symptoms for up to six years before realizing those symptoms were connected to menopause. Untreated menopause symptoms also carry an estimated $26.6 billion in annual U.S. economic costs from productivity losses and direct medical costs.
“Five years ago, we launched The Period Project to address a basic need for women and girls that had been overlooked for far too long. Now, we’re showing up for women in another phase of life,” said Emily Bell McCormick, president of The Policy Project. “Our goal is to bring awareness to menopause and build momentum for better care and resources. We’re inviting everyone—women, men, spouses, students, grandparents—to be part of the conversation and the solution.”
The Policy Project’s efforts to modernize menopause care will focus on four key areas:
- Removing barriers to treatment so symptoms are identified earlier and women can access care sooner.
- Equipping medical providers with better training to recognize symptoms, understand treatment options, and connect women to appropriate care.
- Generating Utah-specific research on menopause care.
- Building a state-hosted resource hub where women, medical providers, and employers can find trustworthy information.
“These are our wives, our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, our friends, and our neighbors. These are the women raising families, caring for aging parents, building careers, and showing up for the people around them every day,” said Representative Ariel Defay, who will sponsor legislation related to the initiative. “I’m looking forward to championing practical policy solutions that help us care for the caretakers.”
This fall, The Policy Project will take the initiative on the road, visiting eight counties across Utah ahead of the 2027 legislative session to educate, advocate, and continue to learn from community members.
Learn more about what The Policy Project is doing to modernize menopause care and find opportunities to get involved at thepolicyproject.org/menopause.
About The Policy Project
The Policy Project is a Utah-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses policy to solve problems facing children, families, and overlooked populations. We go where the need is greatest, harness the power of community voices, and ensure our policies deliver real-world impact.
Founded by Emily Bell McCormick, The Policy Project has established a strong track record of turning problems into statewide solutions. To date, we have passed nine Utah laws and secured more than $33.8 million in one-time and ongoing state funding. Our statewide policies have, among other things, provided free period products in all public and charter school bathrooms, expanded child sexual abuse prevention education to every elementary school, and extended maternity leave for state employees.
The impact of these and other policies compounds over time, creating lasting change for generations to come. For more information, visit thepolicyproject.org.