WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 8657

Calling for improving support for people experiencing menopause.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 12 co-sponsors

The resolution urges state leaders to pursue tools, treatments, education, and policies to improve health and quality of life for people experiencing menopause.

Adopted.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8657

Summary of Senate Resolution 8657 (SR 8657)

Overview

  • Type: Washington State Senate Resolution (non-binding)
  • Title: Calling for improving support for people experiencing menopause
  • Status: Adopted
  • Introduced: April 23, 2025
  • Adopted: April 23, 2025
  • Sponsors: Senators Cleveland, Bateman, Cortes, Dhingra, Krishnadasan, Lovelett, Nobles, Orwall, Robinson, Shewmake, Trudeau, Warnick, Slatter, and C. Wilson
  • Channels: Transmitted to the Washington State Department of Health and the Governor

Note: As a resolution, SR 8657 expresses the Senate’s position and requests action by state agencies and leadership. It does not enact new law or authorize funding by itself.

Purpose and intent

  • To recognize menopause as a significant health and daily-living issue affecting millions, including older women and transgender/nonbinary individuals.
  • To advocate for improved support, tools, and treatment to enhance quality of life and health outcomes for those experiencing menopause.
  • To acknowledge gaps in research, education, and resources tailored to diverse experiences of menopause, including specific needs faced by transgender and nonbinary people.
  • To address the broader public health and workforce impacts associated with menopausal symptoms.

Key provisions and considerations

  • Recognition of the broad and lasting nature of menopausal symptoms (potentially lasting several years) and their wide-ranging health implications (bone, cardiovascular, metabolic, mental health, sleep, sexual health, cognitive function, etc.).
  • Emphasis on the heterogeneity of menopausal experiences; one-size-fits-all recommendations are unlikely to be effective.
  • Highlighting notable statistics and concerns:
    • Menopause affects women of color earlier, with higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease.
    • Workplace culture often treats menopause as taboo; significant numbers of women report work disruption or discrimination.
    • Economic impact cited: about 11% of women aged 45–60 miss work due to menopausal symptoms, with annual costs around $1.8 billion (not accounting for broader reductions in hours or employment changes).
  • Directed outcome: The Senate “supports efforts to provide tools and treatment” to improve life quality and health outcomes for those affected.

Affected stakeholders

  • Individuals experiencing menopause (including transgender and nonbinary people)
  • Workers and employers
  • Public health agencies and health educators
  • The Washington Department of Health
  • The Governor (as the resolution is transmitted to both)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • No new statutory requirements or funding authority are established.
  • The resolution’s adoption signals legislative intent and a call to action for state health authorities and leadership.
  • Next steps are for the Department of Health and the Governor to respond with policies, programs, or guidance aligning with the resolution’s goals.

Bottom line

SR 8657 publicly acknowledges menopause as a significant health and workforce issue and urges state leadership to pursue tools, treatments, education, and policy actions to improve the well-being of those affected. It serves to catalyze attention and potential state-level initiatives, rather than to enact binding requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.