HARRISBURG, PA — Three Pennsylvania House Democrats are organizing a Sept. 29 rally at the state Capitol to build support for a package of menopause-related bills focused on treatment access, education and workplace accommodations.
State Reps. Melissa Shusterman of Chester County, Liz Hanbidge of Montgomery County and Morgan Cephas of Philadelphia will hold the event at 1 p.m. in the Capitol’s Main Rotunda.
The lawmakers said the “No Time for a Pause” package is intended to address gaps in menopause and perimenopause care while also confronting effects on workforce participation and productivity.
Shusterman said menopause symptoms can materially affect daily life and employment and argued that public policy has not kept pace with women’s health needs.
“Menopause comes with a variety of symptoms, the severity of which can significantly impact daily life and work productivity,” Shusterman said.
Hanbidge tied the legislation to broader economic costs, citing an estimate of $26.6 billion a year in lost productivity and health care expenses related to menopause.
“Menopause can significantly affect a woman’s health, quality of life and ability to work, with consequences that extend to families, employers and our economy,” Hanbidge said.
She said the package calls for better education, expanded access to evidence-based treatment and reasonable workplace accommodations.
Cephas said the effort also targets stigma and gaps in support for aging populations.
“The ‘No Time for a Pause’ package is about bringing this conversation out of the shadows,” Cephas said.
The Sept. 29 rally is open to the public and media. Lawmakers are expected to discuss the health and workplace effects of menopause and urge support for the legislative package.
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