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Subcommittee forwards menstrual‑health program to appropriations after substitute
Summary
House Bill 1918, creating a women’s menstrual health program to screen for conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS and to provide education and training based on ACOG guidelines, was reported and referred to appropriations by an 8-0 vote.
House Bill 1918, sponsored by Delegate Lavere Bolling, received unanimous subcommittee approval and was reported to Appropriations on an 8-0 vote after the members approved a substitute that shifted the bill’s emphasis toward education and screening rather than direct treatment.
Bolling said the program will use evidence‑based guidelines, including materials from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, to train providers, emergency‑department staff and the public on menstrual disorders and to put educational resources on the Department of Health’s website. “These conditions are typically underdiagnosed and often lead to years of pain, untreated symptoms, and a diminished quality of life,” Bolling said, citing endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Nicole Lauter of ACOG testified in support and said the organization already has materials that could be leveraged. Progress Virginia and Birth and Color also supported the bill. Committee members noted the bill includes a reporting requirement and a budget amendment; the sponsor said she was awaiting a new fiscal impact tied to the substitute.
The subcommittee voted to report the substitute and send the bill to Appropriations.
Ending: The measure advances with bipartisan support; advocates said it would improve early detection of menstrual disorders and support provider training across the Commonwealth.
