Why The Five & One?
Because women make up 51% of the population — yet still get treated like a special interest group. This newsletter flips that script. Each issue gives you 5 smart takeaways from the world of research, policy, health, wellness, and trends +1 bonus topic just for you.
When women’s health is prioritized, everyone benefits: families, communities, and workplaces.
You’re receiving this because you’re part of our community — as a Member or a Five & One subscriber. Each week, you’ll get news, policy updates, and actions that put your voice at the center of changing women’s health. Once a month, Members receive exclusive deep dives into policy, practical health guides, and resources to help you take action.
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We’re always learning about the women’s health system — even after decades of working in it. If we miss something or misspeak below, please reply and let us know so we can correct it in our next issue.
This week’s theme: How Gaps In Care Cost Lives
This week spotlights big misses in the system that have big consequences, and what we can do to push progress. From CPR to cervical cancer, to an alarming maternal health crisis, to menopause treatment stigma…the throughline is clear that women’s health is still undervalued, underfunded, and underserved. But awareness, advocacy, and new solutions are shifting the narrative, and the stakes have never been higher.
1. Women Less Likely to Get CPR — and Survive Cardiac Arrest
A 2024 study showed that women are less likely to receive lifesaving CPR while in cardiac arrest. Why? Most CPR training is performed on male dummies without breasts, and bystanders feel uncomfortable touching women's bodies (which makes some sense).
This is yet another reason why heart disease is the #1 killer of women, which is 1 in 3 deaths, because the system is stacked against us. (Other reasons? Less than half of cardio research is done on women, plus the lack of understanding on why menopause, pregnancy, and postpartum increase risk).
Where’s The Break Down?
The NIH reports that out of every 20 mannequins used in training, only one is identified as female and has breasts.
The AHA reports that CPR administered immediately after a cardiac episode can double and sometimes triple the chance of survival.
Yet the American Heart Association and other regulatory bodies have no requirement for sex-specific mannequins in CPR training.
The Breakthrough
Cardiovascular care, research, and reimbursement are built on male norms, leaving women behind, and more likely to die from preventable causes. What needs to shift for this to change?
Mandating female-bodied mannequins in federally funded CPR training would normalize lifesaving care for women.
Could shifting EMS reimbursement to survival outcomes reward effective resuscitation somehow?
Federal funding could tie CPR certification standards to sex-specific competency.
While there’s education for physicians and patients to understand the signs and symptoms that are specific to women’s health, it’s not widespread knowledge.
Sources: Academic.oup.com, Goredforwomen.org
2. At-Home HPV Test Fills Crucial Gap In Cervical Cancer Screenings
Teal Health launched its revolutionary, FDA-authorized, at-home cervical screening test in California. Why is this news? The speculum was introduced in the 1840’s and while it’s gotten a few updates, it has never been rethought. The Teal Wand is a far cry from the traditional pelvic exam with a speculum, with a comfortable tampon-like device that helps women collect samples from the comfort of their home.
The Breakdown
In addition to a design opportunity, despite being one of the most effective cancer prevention tools, millions of women miss regular screenings.
Long waits, provider shortages, pain, and stigma create delays in testing.
Women in rural counties face the highest death rates from late-stage cervical cancer in part because they lack access to testing.
While Teal Health has addressed these barriers, only those in pilot states (like CA) have access now, and will pay out of pocket.
Note: Teal’s solution is expected to be covered by several major insurers and plans to roll out nationwide in 2026. Another reason why one of our core beliefs is that our health can’t wait.
The Breakthrough
CMS coverage of at-home HPV testing would force private insurers to follow, making access universal.
FDA could fast-track approval of more at-home screening tools, expanding options.
State Medicaid programs could bundle HPV screening with telehealth, reaching rural women directly.
Note: HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, but there is no treatment. Antiva Biosciences is developing a topical treatment for high-risk HPV infections, and trials are showing positive early results, which could be a game-changer for reducing cervical cancer, pending approval and access.
What you can do now:
Schedule your annual GYN exam and get a Pap test.
If you are in California, check to see if you are eligible for the Teal Health test.
Read the ACOG guidelines for cervical cancer screening and tips for HPV prevention .
Understand what the coverage is in your health plan or insurance for testing.
Sources: NIH.gov, Getteal.com, ACOG.org, Antivabio.com, cancer.org, news-medical.net
3. Mississippi's Infant Mortality Rate Is Highest In a Decade – An Alarming Maternal Health Failure
Mississippi has declared a public health emergency for infant deaths, with 1 in 100 infants dying in their first year of life. This rate is the highest in a decade, on top of the maternal mortality in the state being among the highest in the nation. This is both a local and systemic challenge given that the US has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country.
The Break Down
Medicaid reimburses maternity care far below cost, often less than 50% of the cost, pressuring hospitals to shut down labor wards.
Due to budget shortages, half of MS counties have no hospital offering OB care, leaving 24% of women without a birthing option within 30 minutes.
Mississippi only expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months in 2023 — years behind most states.
Dated and biased reimbursement rates create additional financial strain, leading to many Ob/Gyns leaving the field.
Obstetric care deserts, physician shortages, fragmented care, low Medicaid reimbursement rates, Medicaid gaps, and financial strain on hospitals create the perfect storm for a dire maternal and infant health emergency.
The Breakthrough
Raising federal Medicaid reimbursement rates for maternity care and unbundling maternity reimbursement would keep OB wards open. Arkansas is already trying it.
Congress could tie hospital funding to maintaining obstetric services in rural regions based on a radius of care.
Updating CPT and DRG codes for maternity care would align payments with actual costs, stabilizing the workforce.
What you can do:
Watch: 2025–26 Medicaid funding changes that could affect maternity wards.
Act: Share these resources: check for Medicaid prenatal eligibility; ensure that 12-month postpartum Medicaid enrollment is active.
Read and share this article on why maternity care is underpaid.
Sources: Marchofdimes.org, MSDh.ms.gov, Time.com, Time.com
4. Serena Williams Ro News Raises Profile for Women's Health and GLP-1s
Serena Williams proudly announced a partnership with Ro, sharing that GLP-1s helped her lose over 30 pounds. One of the top athletes in the world, Williams emphasized that the drug is not a shortcut, highlighting the challenges she faced after having her second child. This is a huge step in breaking the stigma surrounding some of the health struggles women face postpartum and beyond. The attention also reopens the conversation around GLP-1 access (especially insurance) and the gaps in knowledge and side effects for women.
The Break Down
Insurance rarely covers GLP-1s for obesity unless diabetes is already diagnosed, despite evidence of broader diabetes prevention benefits.
Trials often exclude women of reproductive age or fail to analyze outcomes by sex.
Women make up 70% of GLP-1 users but face higher rates of nausea, GI distress, and cost barriers.
GLP-1 drugs are transforming women's health beyond weight loss and diabetes. Experts are now exploring the relationship to reducing cardiac risk to improving insulin and hormones, and their effect on fertility and menopause.
The Break Through
FDA could require sex-disaggregated outcomes in all GLP-1 trials, closing the knowledge gap.
NIH funding mandates could expand research on GLP-1s for fertility, menopause, and cardiac health.
Congress could pass coverage mandates for obesity treatment parity, lowering out-of-pocket costs.
Sources: News-medical.net, wired.com, Truveta.com, biorxiv.org, ro.co
5. FDA Warning for Hot Flash Drug Deepens Stigma for Menopause Treatment
Shortly after the FDA reviewed HRT safety for the first time in decades, the FDA issued a new warning for the hot flash drug, Veozah. Menopause remains undertreated and stigmatized, with therapies facing skepticism, and new safety alerts can deepen hesitancy.
The Break Down
Menopause trials are small, short, and underfunded, leaving regulators with thin data to draw big conclusions from.
Insurers cite “safety uncertainty” to deny coverage, leaving women to pay out of pocket.
Safety warnings compound the stigma and challenges, on top of systemic underfunding and under research.
When women suffer from menopause, healthcare costs rise, the economy suffers, and the effects don't stop in the home and workplace.
The Breakthrough
NIH could fund large, multi-year menopause drug trials, creating a more thorough evidence base for safety and coverage.
FDA labeling reforms could require sex-specific adverse event tracking and post-market surveillance.
CMS could mandate insurance coverage of FDA-approved menopause therapies, ensuring affordability.
What you can do:
Continue to challenge the stigma and silence surrounding menopause.
Advocate for menopause policy.
Identify trusted sources of menopause information that use disciplined scientific research.
The & 1 – What You Need to Know About Heart Health Screenings
Taylor Swift, among many other news-making moments, sparked conversation surrounding heart health screenings when she spoke about her father's EKG tests that "missed" his multiple heart blockages. Let’s talk about how that applies to women.
What the Experts Say
Midi Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kathleen Jordan, says EKGs may not be the best screeners for preventative care. Stress tests are typically best if you are symptomatic.
After menopause, women experience a higher risk of heart disease. Dr. Jordan says you can ask for a CAC (coronary artery calcium scan) to screen for atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries). The scan may trigger further testing based on your results.
Ask your doctor about HRT - the American Heart Association says hormone therapy in women before the age of 60, within 10 years of menopause, appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (although the AHA does not recommend HRT solely to reduce the risk of CVD).
Watch this video from Midi Health about what you need to know about heart health screenings as a woman.
Source: Midi Health
Disclaimer: not intended as medical advice, always consult your healthcare provider
We’d love to hear your policy ideas. Reply to this newsletter and tell us what you think should be on the women’s health policy agenda for women’s health advocacy organizations more broadly. Your voice helps shape where we all go next.
