HHS reverses course on canceling Women's Health Initiative contracts
(NewsNation) — The Department of Health and Human Services has reversed a decision to cancel contracts with the Women's Health Initiative, though NewsNation has learned WHI has not been made aware of the decision.
On April 21, 2025, WHI said in a press release that HHS had terminated WHI Regional Center contracts at the end of their current fiscal year, which is September 2025. The WHI Clinical Coordinating Center would continue operations until January 2026, after which time its funding would remain uncertain.
Their work focuses on research and data collection and says it has led to better health outcomes for women, especially those battling with chronic disease and cancer.
As an example, they cite a trial that 'led to a dramatic shift in menopausal hormone therapy prescriptions, preventing an estimated 126,000 breast cancer cases and 76,000 fewer cardiovascular disease cases over the decade following the release of the results, saving an estimated $35.2 billion in direct medical costs.'
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According to WHI, the canceling of these contracts could severely limit research, including for the health of older women, as well as prevent 'opportunities for new discoveries and future scientific advancements.'
Since curing chronic disease is one of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s stated goals with his 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative, NewsNation asked HHS why the contracts were canceled and what would be put in their place to ensure women's health remained a priority.
In response, they said, 'These studies represent critical contributions to our better understanding of women's health. While NIH initially exceeded its internal targets for contract reductions, we are now working to fully restore funding to these essential research efforts. NIH remains deeply committed to advancing public health through rigorous gold standard research and we are taking immediate steps to ensure the continuity of these studies.'
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NewsNation asked WHI for a response to the news that the contracts were being reinstated and was told, 'While we would welcome the news that the decision on funding has been reversed, we have not yet received confirmation of this from Health and Human Services.'
No word yet from HHS on when the funding will be restored, when WHI will be notified and who made the decision to cancel these contracts in the first place.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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