Favorable
Committee: Finance
SB0892
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals, and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
Senate Bill 892 alters the membership of the State Advisory Council on Health and Wellness; requiring certain health occupations boards that require a licensee or certificate holder to complete continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal to grant at least a certain amount of continuing education credits for completing continuing education on perimenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal evaluation and treatment.
Promoting women’s health at every stage of life is an essential part of upholding human dignity and fostering a culture that respects and promotes life. Menopause is a natural biological transition, yet it has historically been under-addressed in medical education and public health policy. A 2025 analysis of Maryland healthcare data estimates that approximately 310,000 Maryland residents experience menopause-related symptoms each year.(1) These symptoms can include vasomotor instability, sleep disruption, mood changes, bone density loss, and increased long-term risks such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.
Fewer than 10% of residents in internal medicine, family medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology report feeling adequately prepared to manage menopause after graduation.(2) Even a modest requirement—such as two hours of focused continuing education—can meaningfully improve a provider’s understanding of evolving research, treatment options, and symptom management strategies. Ensuring regular, evidence-based training strengthens clinical knowledge, increases provider confidence, and improves the ability to manage complex and long-term health risks associated with the menopause transition.
Supporting menopause education affirms that women’s health does not end with fertility. Respect for life and human dignity includes caring for women in every phase of life, including the menopause transition. By investing in provider education, this legislation helps ensure that women receive comprehensive, compassionate, and scientifically grounded care that honors their health, well-being, and inherent dignity.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference asks for a favorable report on SB 892. Thank you for your consideration.
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1 https://mhcc.maryland.gov/mhcc/pages/home/meeting_schedule/documents/presentations/2025/20251211/agd4_menopause_prst.pdf
https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/menopause-care-varies-by-provider-highlighting-need-for-standardized-education#:~:text=%E2%80%9CEducation%20in%20menopause%20management%20is,the%20health%20of%20women%20everywhere.%E2%80%9D