Profit motive highlighted as key to advancing women’s health research and boosting economic productivity

Experts say that turning to the profit motive could spur investment in under‑funded women’s health areas such as endometriosis, osteoporosis and autoimmune disorders.

They note a long history of research neglect and warn that federal funding is becoming increasingly precarious, prompting advocates, academics and industry leaders to push market incentives as a new driver.

A 2024 World Economic Forum report cited in the article estimates that fully addressing women’s health gaps could add about $1 trillion to global economic productivity each year by 2040, translating to roughly $300 billion in recovered U.S. productivity.

The piece argues that highlighting the economic upside may persuade companies to allocate more resources toward women’s health research, framing the issue as both a moral and financial opportunity.